Samson Marrving 

Samson at Tinmah 
damson Hybristes Samson Blinded 

Four Dramatic Poems b\ 
EDWIN T. WH1FFEN 




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SAMSON MARRYING 

Samson at Timnah, Samson Hybristes 
Samson Blinded 

Four Dramatic Poems 

BY 

EDWIN T. WHIFFEN 



BOSTON 

RICHARD G. BADGER 

The Gorham Press 

1905 



Copyright igo* by Edwin T. Whiffen 
All Rights Reserved 



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Printed at 

THE GORHAM PRESS 

Boston, U. S. A 



CONTENTS 

Page 
Samson Marrying 7 

Samson at Timnah 51 

Samson Hybristes 97 

Samson Blinded 145 



SAMSON MARRYING 



THE ARGUMENT 

Samson, having espoused a woman of Timnah, 
departs to that place with his father and feastful 
friends to celebrate the nuptials. During the 
last day of the marriage-feast, the solution of the 
riddle put forth before by Samson is earnestly 
sought by the bridal courtiers, who form the 
chorus, assigned from the Philistian youth. Sam- 
son's father, ill-treated by them to force the se- 
cret, departs home-ward in anger, accompanied by 
the friends of his nation. At last the bride, hav- 
ing wrested the secret, reveals it to the chorus ; 
whereupon Samson departs to Ascalon, slays 
thirty, and carries their garments to Timnah as the 
wagered forfeit. A messenger, coming in short- 
ly, tells the story of Samson's performance ; where 
at the chorus bewail their nation's loss, and 
threaten vengeance upon Samson ; which con- 
cludes the drama. 



THE PERSONS 

Samson 

Manoah, father of Samson. 

Lilithj his wife. 

Messenger. Chorus of Philistines. Servant. 

Attendant. 

The Scene at Timnah 



SAMSON MARRYING 

Manoah. With wavering hope and doubtful 

resolution 
Of what before so oft by me essayed, 
I have drawn thee to this place, where friendly 

silence 
Will not inform against us, nor espial 
Descry our posture and close secrecy 
Here at this vacant hour of morning prime, 
Samson, once more, ere lastly thou determine 
That marriage to thy country's foe conjoined, 
This daughter of the Timnian infidel, 
If supplication and a father's tears 
May bend thy purpose, ere, too late, achieved 
Thy own undoing and thy country's shame. 
Too well thou knowest, against thy mother's wish 
And mine express these bonds consummated ; 
Hence I could well desist my vain attempts 
To move thee, as heretofore, could I my auguries 
Draw from successes past, or yet my heart 
Forego the dear regard which yet it bears thee. 
Canst thou, then, yet respect a mother's tears, 
These aging locks, that plead more loud than 

words 
Of vehement speech, as in our law enjoined, 
To leave thy purposes, yet unperformed ? 
I could be well content with this regard 
The marriage-ransom paid quite to forego, 
And willingly, no, glad to scape so quit. 

Samson. Father, break off; since, though the 

love I bear thee 
In measure as our near relation ask, 
Yet herein, as I thus far have begun, 
So shall I finish, cast in heart, be sure, 



8 SAMSON MARRYING 

To cross thy hopes, or disappoint thy purpose ; 
But higher inspirations from above, 
Promptings divine, compel me, unwillingly, 
Into those paths, which else I should abhor, 
If to my own free counsel left inclining. 
Otherwise, never should I so persist 
To disregard that dear respect of love 
Which links me to thee, nor so far presume 
Apparent disrespect and seeming lack 
Of duty, with bold deed, to all appearance 
Contrary to our laws and laws of God, 
And wishes to my parents thus opposed. 

Man. Consider, son, ere thou decide, while yet 
The thought is umpire to the purposed act, 
Lest thou too late the rash decision rue 
After decree gone forth beyond recall. 
Though I thy honesty of heart misdeem not, 
And forward purpose, yet thus far I question, 
Though not thy prompting, yet the motive to it, 
So main against our customs and our laws. 
And other reasons, also, I adduce. 
For know, not unannounced, as ordinary, 
Thy birth ; but the high messenger of Heaven 
Foretold thee to thy mother in the field, 
There as she sat reclined after the day ; 
To me the angel also was revealed, 
Who, to confirm the tidings high imparted, 
Rode up in flames from off the burning altar, 
After conception assured of him destined 
To free his country, break her enemies. 
Of this no question can arise, for plain 
The omen ; but this other that thou sayest, 
In this may not some error lurk? since doubtful 
The mind of man and full of wandering ever, 
And ever least assured of highest purpose, 
Then most uncertain when most certain deemed. 
I question not thy honor, but I question 



SAMSON MARRYING 9 

Thy immaturity, inexperience, youth. 

These must weigh some with thee ; let also weigh 

Thy duty and thy service and thy love. 

Shalt thou not be surmised of other parents, 

And not from us derived, as now reputed, 

If to our wishes thou oppose thyself thus ? 

As thou art known my son, desist thy purpose. 

Sams. Father, I do acknowledge thee my sire, 
And in all willing duty have I served, 
Even unto this, my parents ; but herein 
The voice of God so plainly in my ear 
I cannot but regard ; for not through love, 
Fondly by passion moved, have I urged on 
This marriage, but from hence that I might find 
Hostile occasion on them who oppress 
God's people, and his deity despise. 
And this not all ; for, while as yet a child, 
Heroic thoughts flamed at my heart, that I 
Should Israel from Philistian yoke redeem, 
The task whereto I was divinely set. 
Which task enjoined, and with high purpose cher- 
ished 
Through all my years, the rudiments laid down, 
With ripe determination now I enter, 
Nothing to be detered from this great end. 
Whence now begins this mission, thus esteemed 
And purposed, from this day and from this deed. 
Herein if I should fail, or now. draw back 
From this great entering, should not also fail 
The glorious task on me by Heaven imposed, 
To set my people free? Not to be thought. 
No; though in this naught but regretful sorrow 
To cross thy hopes I find, yet so the more 
Myself should I misdeem, herein should I 
Waver for parents' love, or parents' tears, 
Or aught than these more dear — private regards, 
And hence not rightly weighed or yielded to — 



io SAMSON MARRYING 

Thus recreant to my purpose and my trust. 

Man. Thy faith seems not unfounded; and I 
yield 
That for his people God of old hath wrought 
Wonders incredible ; yet such wherein 
Obedience and firm faith and fealty held, 
And not, as now, dishonor and contempt, 
With bold disloyalty and base presumption. 
Herein, so main against God's law, how couldst 

thou 
Hope for his aid, since against his thy will 
Opposed, and purpose set to his transverse ? 
For well thou knowest, God hath pronounced it 

sin 
To yoke in wedlock with the uncircumcised. 
How, then, in this by his aid to come off 
Thou canst presume, I own surmounts my reach. 
Sams. Be of good courage, father, nor to doubt 
So easily resign thyself. Things strange, 
To us uncertain, darkly are ordained, 
Sometimes, to work from evil into good ; 
As in this instance may perhaps be found. 
Save what I have advanced, no more I can, 
Except a certain presage of the mind, 
Which puts to something out of wont my 

thoughts, 
That this day aught remarkably shall be done 
By me, and from this hoped occasion rise, 
Worthy our God, our nation, and myself. 
Else why this purpose, though expressly opposed 
To God's high law, that strictly still forbade 
Such union with the uncircumcised conjoined, 
Set on, and furthered thus as by his aid? 
Which had not been, except his counsel served. 
Man. Since thus thy perseverance, to no pur- 
pose 
These admonitions, now, as first, repulsed. 



SAMSON MARRYING n 

But other secret matter would I mention 
Before thy notice, haply to thee known. 
The stripling youths that follow thee about, 
Thy nuptial tendance, move somewhat against 

thee, 
Cast from their hope to solve thy riddle set ; 
For, as thou knowest, this now the seventh day 

finds them 
Still unresolved, unsettled, still to seek. 
Black looks and muttered threats, thought undis- 

cerned, 
Have I perceived, not, certain, to thy face, 
For thee they hate, yet fear thy haughty limb 
And higher courage ; but thy absence gives them 
Cause and occasion. Here then be advised — 
To what avail, if, the one danger shunned, 
Thou on the other strike and suffer wrack ? 
Sams. What blind suspicion, father, puts thee 

on thus? 
They will not dare against their oath assured 
Of friendship and of league with us conjoined 
In strictest amity, with their dread lords 
By solemn oath confirmed, nor aught intend 
Upon me, lest the penalties that attach 
To those that thus dissolve allegiance sworn 
And faith be visited upon their deed. 
Yet should they so on me thus girt with friends 
Endeavor treachery, or shrewd use contrive, 
What could be else than blank discomfort gained, 
And ruin drawn on those who attempt the deed — 
The wished occasion to hostility, 
Perhaps, that should Israel's deliverance 
Begin, as the angel thus to thee affirmed ? 
Man. I cannot, son, yet reconcile myself 
To this thy marriage-choice ; and how thy foes 
May plot thy ruin hence, or how distasteful 
To them such union, though under show of love 



12 SAMSON MARRYING 

Now masking and of fair and open front, 
I know not ; nor can see from this derived 
Aught to advantage pure or honorable, 
Worthy our God, our nation, or thyself. 
For between vanquished and the vanquisher 
What faith can hold, or what engagements stand, 
Since they who faith engage thereto compelled 
By nothing that assures their holding safe; 
Or how can that turn good by express law 
Enjoined us absolutely not to do? 
Reasons enough, as might seem, to dissuade, 
Perhaps, a stronger purpose than thou holdest. 
And more I cannot urge, unless to suasion 
Force added, which I still were loth to use, 
If still were in my power, since thy age 
Now to the prime and flower of youth attained ; 
Yet fain I still would say, if to some purpose. 
But now enough ; and I perhaps too much 
Herein have said, since every circumstance, 
The place, the hour, and this close secrecy, 
Informs against and sets suspicion on, 
If not unmarked, as now. For list, I hear 
( So apprehension quick hath sharpened more 
The ear of age than youth's unwary sense) 
The tread of hasty steps that steer this way, 
And yonder through the shade by glimpse dis- 
cern 
Thy bridal friends and guests, doubtless now 

come 
Here at this grateful hour to gratulate 
Thy love consummated. Be circumspect, 
And put thee to thy guard with extreme care. 

Chorus. O hospitable house, whose happy roof 
With prosperous shade protects 
That couple, fairest found in love's consort, 
Who shall this day fulfil their bonds espoused! 



SAMSON MARRYING 13 

Semi-cho. And happy chance that brings thee 
to thy bride, 
Samson, more favored now, 
And more rejoiced than when, to oppose thy path, 
The solitary fierce beast proud, 
That wons in wild, 
Beset thy single steps, 

And with no spousal grasp, or dalliant arm, 
Griped in each paw thy form ; 
But thou, with mighty hold 
Tearing the lion as the lion tears the kid, 
Shored'st off both tawny hide and crested mane, 
Spurning, with insupportable foot, 
The carcass, left for bees to hive therein. 

Semi-cho. What shall I higher praise, 
Thy might, or chance in love ? 
Since thee thy happy hazard thus assigns, 
Nor less thy lot esteem, 
Among the daughters of the Philistines, 
The fairest and the choicest, virtuous, best ; 
Who waits, this now the seventh day's sun 
Chiding the heavy time, 
Her spousal consumations and thy own. 

Cho. Thrice happy bride and house ! Yet hap- 
pier deem 
What prosperous roof shall shade 
Thy marriageable bed, 
That, rich with fruitful pleasures, shall bring 

forth 
Large issue, increase fair 
Of goodly sons and daughters chaste, 
Likest to thee and to thy wedlock mate ; 
Happy, if to their nuptial lot be linked 
Like issue of success in wedded love. 

Sams. Peace with you, comrades. Your in- 
ducement hither 
Since not unfriendly, say why ye are here. 



14 SAMSON MARRYING 

Cho. Peace with thee, reverend Manoah, and 
with thee, 
Samson, esteemed strongest of mortal men. 
We come, thy bridal courtiers and thy friends, 
To gratulate thy love consummated ; 
And, as we have in charge, and were assigned, 
To aid with wished assistance to thy will ; 
Say, therefore, what task now thou hast enjoined 
On us, who only wait thy word to do. 

Sams. Your coming, friends, is timely ; for 
this day, 
Though now the marriage-feast known largely 

given, 
Sees much performed, if all in order duo 
Accomplished, ere night bring the grateful end. 
Now, therefore, haste, and. as I gave in care, 
Have strict attendance on those timely tasks, 
Such as become your office best assigned, 
And to my kindred chief. I, the meanwhile, 
Must hasten conference with those who have 
In charge this last day's glad solemnity. 
And now, perhaps, my wished arrival wait. 

Cho. Then thee our grateful task thus enter- 
tains, 
Grave Manoah ; for so may well befit 
The bridal friends and comrades to thy son, 
With pride, indeed, thus named ; since well art 

thou 
Happy in such a son, above example 
Present or past the mightiest born of men ; 
Since not in all Philistian borders reckoned, 
Askelon, Ecron, Asdod, Gaza, Gath, 
Not, though thou add the list of Anak's sons 
Famous and blazed, whose giant stature vast 
Might well with terror strike, and win the name 
Of highest eminence for feats of arms 
And tests of strength endured, his like accounted, 



SAMSON MARRYING 15 

Much less equal or second, at whose coming 
The mightiest and the bravest of our land 
Let fall the crest, with less self-conscionable stride 
And lower courage stalking, or slink by, 
Not braving his affront. Is he thy sole 
Wonder, and country's boast, or others worthy 
Compare with him and equal praise assigned ? 

Man. Our sole accompt and paragon ; his like, 
Much less his equal or superior, 
As not among the Philistines, not in Israel, 
Of whom he also bears the highest name 
For feats of strength and valiant deeds per- 
formed. 
Cho. Thy moderation to enlarge his worth, 
Since by such ties thus nearly to thee joined, 
Accredits thee ; and to much ampler merit 
Thou might'st have raised his name, and yet come 

short 
Of his desert and due for sleights of strength 
And strenuous feats displayed, nor so his cunning 
Stinted of equal praise. For, when he came 
Hither to his marriage, he a riddle set, 
Framed with so curious and so hidden skill, 
His first propounded, none till now can boast 
Solution and the wagered forfeit won. 
And some are moved against him, but as yet 
The more part speak him well and wish him fair, 
Whose spousals thus to grace they have as- 
sembled — 
Where of some tidings would we might but learn, 
By his departure thus deprived. Yet see ! 
For yonder to this place I now discern 
One by his garb and look perhaps hath come 
With news of what but lately hath befallen. 
Servant. I come not, friends, for such are ye 
discerned 
To Samson and this house wherein I serve, 



16 SAMSON MARRYING 

With tidings which may hit with joy your ears, 
As some perhaps, yet cannot else relate, 
Than as I have received, howe'er adjudged; 
And as they are will tell, if ye desire, 
Though haply wished unknown, the news I bring. 

Cho. Evil, or good ? superfluous yet to ask. 

Serv. Foreboding ill ; so thick a tempest 
draws. 

Cho. The morning promised fair, nor threat- 
ened aught. 

Serv. Yet gathers darkly now, and noises loud. 

Cho. Still no concern; foul days have oft 
turned fair. 

Serv. But this with other kind of storm por- 
tends. 

Cho. Resolve thy drift ; no second riddle 
needs. 

Serv. Look not for tidings now of happy sort, 
Your question thus, perhaps, yet soon explained, 
If so may be explained what still unknown, 
Nor wonder at so strange relation heard, 
111 suiting nuptial time and marriage-feast, 
Though of the happy consummation lack 
To honor this glad feast and fair occasion 
Of this day's spousals, now so long preparing, 
Nothing voluptuous of soft or sweet, 
Or pleasing to sight, sound, or smell, or taste, 
So sumptuous the feast and lavish planned. 
For first, that all their nuptial rites be passed 
In order, and their spousals due observed, 
Along the tall grove's edge they have upraised 
A spacious tent, whose curtains fast enclosed 
Deny all sight not bidden, and high roof, 
Ample and round, of richest texture woven, 
With state of regal luster spreads above, 
O'erdoming as a sky. Within, dispersed 
At grateful intervals, rich palms, and shrubs 



SAMSON MARRYING 17 

Odorous, grateful both to sight and smell, 
Jasmine and rose and myrtle, acanthus, laurel, 
Iris, as grown in ordered place disposed; 
And music, touch of harp and timbrel mixed 
With pipe and warbling song, invites the dance, 
Pleasing the ear, as sight and smell were pleased. 
Nor other senses want ; Autumn and Spring, 
As due at once, have heaped their choicest 

bearth — 
Bright apples of the Hesperides, with rind 
Of golden burnish clad, pomegranate, quince, 
All fruits of the earth, with choicest flowers in- 
mixed — 
Upon the grassy table, by whose side 
Couches of softest touch, and carpets, rich 
In texture, and in tint damask, recline ; 
While at the fragrant wine, in order ranged, 
Fair stripling youths, rich-clad, of ruddy hue. 
Such is the luxury, it seems no strife 
Nearby could dwell, no riot rude endure, 
But would be calmed to quiet, and forget 
Its brawling noise, still to be so entranced. 
Yet they, for whom all this, with jangling war 
And wordy discord jar, within the house 
Close in a chamber got, though not so sore 
The bridegroom ; him the bride loudly upbraids 
With love's disrelish cloyed, because some secret, 
So loud her cries not long a secret kept, 
To her denied ; wherefore she weeps by turns, 
Upbraids him next with lack of proper love 
Toward her espoused, but this day made his bride, 
Next threatens, then cajoles ; that all the house 
Rings with the tumult loud. How it shall end 
I may not know, so stubborn she, so fixed 
Not to give o'er her siege until success, 
And he as fixed on his part to withstand. 
But longer to delay my task permits not, 



18 SAMSON MARRYING 

Upon me joined with speed as not defering. 

Cho. What it can be divides them holds my 
thought ; 
No serious rupture ; some love-quarrel, doubt- 
less, 
That soon the firmlier but joins who jar; 
Not like the marriage-riddle he so guards, 
Though that not unforgiven, if divulged 
In gamesome sport, not wanton treacherous 

malice. 
But thou hast known perhaps, at hazard gained, 
Or by relation heard, what mystic sentence 
Resolves the marriage-riddle that he set? 

Man. Some question else inquire, if thou 
wouldst gain 
Reply ; since this not rightful to reveal. 

Cho. If some convenient matter were pro- 
posed — 

Man. I should not so less resolution hold. 

Cho. Yet without harm to thee, or danger, 
done, 
This nuptial time and glad occasion warrant. 

Man. Yet so the occasion and the time abuse 
Befits not — though urged hard, betraying thus 
To you, his friends, yet rivals in the secret. 
Nor were it seemly ye should so persist, 
After refusal offered, to affront 
Hospitable rites, presuming thus insistence 
Upon superior age. Have ye no fear, 
Regard, of those just penalties that attach 
To reverence outraged and abused respect, 
Unmeditated now, perhaps, yet so 
Not less offensive, when obtruded thus 
Against all decency, all regard to years ? 
Forbear such purpose, then, so main opposed 
To justice, rights of hospitality. 



SAMSON MARRYING 19 

Cho. Yet once again, and while in time thou 
mayest — 

Man. Urge me no further ; so ye do not well, 
With such assaults hard-pressed and sieges 

girded, 
Seeking to make me traitor to my son, 
That firm esteems his confidence reposed 
On me, who now assuredly not betray it, 
Revealing thus that secret sacred given ; 
I know it not, nor, if I did, should tell. 

Cho. Hence with thy gray dissimulation ! Pre- 
tense 
Of ignorance feigned, or reverence due to age, 
Alike we disregard, since we perceive 
Thou knowest it, well enough, and think'st to 

hide, 
Fearful to be compelled against thy will ; 
Which we are fain to do, if thou persist. 
For, plain enough, thou seest our throng too many 
And our advantages to force thee to it. 
Consider with thyself ; be wise and yield ; 
Or we shall straight such terms of force pro- 
pound, 
As shall compel thee to a quick result. 

Man. Would but my son here present, whose 
high strength 
Ye are not unknowing of ! Ye would not venture 
Violence upon this head, which ye were better, 
He absent, leave untouched. When he but learn, 
As thus he shall, that be assured, ere long, 
These deeds of violence, contumacious acts — 

Sams. Peace, friends ; were best with no dis- 
turbance here, 
Now in this nuptial hour and nuptial place, 
Where quiet best consorts. Ye meant no harm, 
As I am well assured, upon my sire, 
But as the time stirs up your minds more quick 



20 SAMSON MARRYING 

To apt occasion ; yet unseemly so 

This offered violence and these ventured hands 

Towards any head, and most against a guest's. 

Abuse not so the occasion and the time. 

Which also, father, deem the full excuse 

And sole extenuation of their fault, 

Done in the wanton heat of youth, as ever, 

So now, to ill-considered rashness bent. 

Man. So slightly should it scape? I thought 
more loudly 
Thy arm, and not thy tongue, expostulates. 
Shall such a fact, so heinous in itself, 
Reckoned against the rated law of nations, 
But here most, where to wont and usage joined 
A solemn truce and sacred marriage-rites, 
Be ventured so — unpunished, unrepentant, 
After a crime so gross, on allied head 
Laid violent hands and rude, these sons of Belial, 
Incestuous, sacreligious, thus escape 
That justest vengeance, punishment deserved? 
If this thou thus endure without protest 
More than thy daunted tongue thus far dares 

vaunt, 
I lower esteem thy valor than erewhile, 
And hold it slackened, cheap, vile, and debased ; 
Nor will I longer tarry in such presence 
Of hostile insolence and unfilial shame. 

Sams. Peace, father ; nor in wrath forget thy- 
self thus. 
Man. Counsel not peace with whom no peace 

can hold. 
Sams. Yet these the licensed time, if not excus- 
ing, 
At least condones in their offended fault. 

Man. Not for a moment given ; lest, this pre- 
sumed, 
More open impudence they venture on. 



SAMSON MARRYING 21 

Sams. Yet till the finished feast thy parting 
stay; 
When if thou must, at least in peace depart. 

Man, Not longer than the preparation ask 
Will I defer, or stay my parting hence. 

Sams. Then by the dear respect of love I ven- 
ture, 
Though with unfilial seeming, thy restraint. 

Man. Not so, forbear it ! lest my anger also 
Curse thee in sudden wrath distinguished not. 
Should I be so enforced, against my will 
And by my son enforced, as these were fain, 
My enemies, and so a second time 
More openly and to more shame exposed, 
These looking on, their gaze and scorn repeated ? 
Presume not so upon the near relation 
That nature gives, which here I disavow, 
With all propinquity disclaimed of kindred, 
Or ties of blood, to one so lightly holding 
That dear respect. Thou art not son of mine, 
Though such esteemed, and with delight once 

cherished, 
But no more, if thou tamely thus endure, 
And shall resent not, with more strenuous anger, 
Such insult to a father ventured on, 
Thine or another's not thy near concern. 
Have I begotten thee my sharpest curse, 
Cherished thy years, tended about thy care 
With fondest diligence, to find thee, now 
Heartened and warmed, a deadly bosom-serpent, 
Ungrateful, base, stinging the hand that reared 

thee? 
Or by the bait of woman snared, and tamed, 
Thy sacred freedom lost that should assure 
Our hoped deliverance, must I regard thee, 
Tangled by fond desire in amorous net, 
A prisoner to her wish, or lightest word 



22 SAMSON MARRYING 

Let fall, with faith and rightful due forgot, 
Thy glorious purpose quite foregone or lost, 
And mission high neglected as despised — 
Thee must I then bewail thus, once esteemed 
M'y one delight, that should (but fondly hoped!) 
Stay my declining years and nurse my age — 
But now my sharp reproach and shame dis- 
cerned ? 
Be other than thou art, or be not mine. 
Nor so expect my presence, how besought, 
Or to occassion whatsoe'er desired, 
Out of the dear regard of love, for such 
As to thy shame thou now art found, unworthy 
Nation or God, thy father or thyself. 

Sams. Go, then, as best, ere soon occasion 
further 
These find to annoy thee, advantaged in my ab- 
sence ; 
And for thy conduct safe and safe convoy 
I will dispatch along these chosen youth, 
My nuptial tendance from our nation chosen ; 
Nor shall I sorrow much, nor much afflict me 
At thy departure, matters as they hold, 
But bring thee, as befits, upon thy way, 

Cho. I cannot like this pliant conduct, friends, 
And outrage slightly overpassed ; from such 
Omission but evil springs. More wroth at first 
Should be who pardons, or condones. Nor such 
His wont; since quenched not easily we know 
His anger waked, nor for the main suppressed 
In smiling looks and fair pursuading words. 
But what have we to fear of harm, or dread, 
So many, and with youthful vigor armed 
Against him single for his kindred gone? 
He will not dare against us now, nor venture 
Violence or force, nor more contrary aught, 
Among his foes thus single and unarmed ; 



SAMSON MARRYING 23 

His error, and the wished occasion found, 

As he shall find perhaps ere this day end. 

But yonder through the shade I now discern 

A bevy of fair damsels, richly dressed 

In gems and waving robes, with steps well-timed, 

As they in dance came on, and amorous ditties 

Sung to the harp, tokens that well infer 

The bridal train, the bride among them chief ; 

And, driving now full-sail, this way they steer, 

Like a rich fleet of vessels, fair addressed 

To Tarsis, or the isles of utmost Ind — 

One o'er the rest proudly pre-eminent 

In stature, beauty, speed, a towering ship, 

The pride and stately boast of her convoy — 

With tackle hoised, sails filled, and streamers 

flaunting, 
That court the spicy winds to waft their way ; 
And now, on nearer view more sure discerned, 
Though yet unthought what purpose or intait 
Induces, known the bride and bridal train. 

Lilith. Greeting and welcome, bridal friends 
and comrades 
To him who hath espoused me, and this day 
With me fulfilled those nuptial vows engaged. 

Cho. O happy chance, that brings thee to this 
place 
To listen our hymeneal, 
Thy nuptial ode assigned 
And holy spousal hymn, 
Befitting best occasion sacred thus 
Of amorous consort, 
That celebrates this day conjoined 
With his thy vows in faith and wedlock bands, 
That goodliest man of men, 
Whom this day brings to consummate his love, 
Happy in thee and thy possession fair, 
Our flower of beauty, and pride; 



24 SAMSON MARRYING 

Linked in whose love so dear, 

Prosperous be thou as fair, thy spousal bed 

Fruitful with nuptial pleasures pure 

And beauteous offspring, consummation glad 

Of all thy bliss and solace of thy love. 

Nor less thy lot esteem, which thee assures 
Thy spouse and wedlock mate, 
That mightiest of earth's sons, 
By whose dear side to shade thee and protect 
Through all thy hazards of life, 
Possess thy bliss devised, 
His love to thee, and thine to him, assured, 
Long life, and happy days, and issue fair. 

Lil. I came not for your spousal greetings, 
friends, 
Though not unmindful for them, but to share 
With you my tidings of success unhoped, 
Scarcely this day but gained and in this hour, 
His secret wrested from him in his height 
Of resolution not to yield ; I urged him 
With many reasons, brought forth many proofs 
To win him, long in silence combated, 
Pressed him with amorous arts and amorous 

words, 
And long in vain, though fixed not to give o'er, 
Still mindful for your threat, until success. 
At length that plea, twixt wedded man and wife 
No secret, and with all assurance given, 
Confirmed by solemn oath and solemn faith, 
To you divulged not, wrought with him, and he, 
Importuned, over worn and wearied out, 
Opened me all his bosom and my will. 
But he who cannot his own secret hold 
Locked in his breast, with constant resolution 
And purpose not to yield, whatever urged 
Against him, or, with what persuasion armed, 
Cunning, or fraud, or force, how should he hope 



SAMSON MARRYING 25 

Who then shall keep it for him, when revealed, 
By his inducements not enforced, or held, 
Not to betray the secret, not to yield — 
How think that sacred trust, to him committed, 
In silence kept, if he in silence keep not, 
Though upon sworn assurance, solemn oath? 
And which the firmlier, bonds of civil duty, 
Or bonds of wedlock, to whomever, bind? 
Whom, then, should I regard or fear, a stranger 
Of hated race and vanquished, an inferior 
Held by our lords a thrall, given by my father, 
Embraced against my will, or rather you, 
My friends and countrymen, whose ties of kin- 
dred 
Firmlier bind than faith of wedlock bands? 
And by your word assured, and by your presence, 
That safe assures more than your word assures, 
No harm to me, whatever harm devised, 
I have not much to fear what he can do 
Against me, or what harm on me contrive, 
Single among his enemies and unarmed ; 
Small danger which infers, if I reveal, 
As without more I shall. A swarm of bees. 
Hived in the lion's carcass, solves the riddle. 
Now ye may boast your wagered forfeit won. 

Cho. Yet softly ; for I see approach, 
But now returned after his kindred parted, 
Samson, who, when his secret known betrayed, 
Doubtless found highly incensed ; 
Advise, then, well 
Thy conduct, that his wrath inflame not more. 

Lit. Samson, well may we spare each other's 
presence, 
If, after parted thus, desire again 
Unite as now, so much thy sight hath cheered me 
Ignorant of thy going and the cause, 
That, for society and human sight, 



26 SAMSON MARRYING 

Hither I was constrained to these thy friends, 
With whom some cheering found, some little so- 
lace ; 
And to repay whose entertainment given 
I have bestowed what thou so well canst spare 
And feel no lack, that secret thou impartedst 
At my solicitation, hardly gained, 
Yet gained with wonder so reluctant given 
As much, so small the consequence attached ; 
Neither upbraid, that I in this may boast, 
Out of the dear regard for me thou hast, 
But this day linked with thee in bonds of love, 
Thy favor, as these now thy forfeit boast. 

Sams. But not thy nuptial fealty, faithless 
monster, 
Who swore with solemn oath, and pressed me 

strongly 
Against my will and quick suspicion held, 
Not to divulge, not to betray the trust 
Deposited ; but thou with reasons urgedst me 
So many and with such persuasions armed, 
That to my better purpose I proved false, 
As thou to me hast proved. Accomplished fraud, 
Couldst thou not more oaths swear, more faith 

confirm, 
To make thy sin less heinous by enormity. 
That men might more admire the magnitude 
Than thy degree of vice and mind depraved ? 
Yet what more couldst thou swear or what con- 
firm, 
More than thou hast, vile traitress? Thou ad- 

juredst me 
By all the bonds of love, so faithful held, 
And bonds of spousal duty, nuptial faith, 
What but to yield me and betray, a scorn 
Among my enemies, utmost contempt 
To all my kindred, all my friends endeared, 



SAMSON MARRYING 27 

Proverbed a fool, to all time an example ? 
Lil. Bear with me, Samson, while I shall en- 
deavor 
To lessen or extenuate my fault, 
So held, committed, yet in all duty done 
To thee, and fair intent. I feared thee change- 
ful, 
Since of thy own tribe women found so fair, 
Of various fancy, dreaded thou wouldst leave me, 
Perhaps, ere this day consummate our vows ; 
Rightly sought, therefore, how to hold thee firm- 
est 
To me; and to this end thy cherished secret 
Obtained; to these, thy friends, revealed it, 
A further hold intended, in their knowledge 
An added bond ; the forfeit rightly judged 
So trivial, of such little worth esteemed, 
That I could rather lose, than lose thy love ; 
Which now I ne'er will urge again so hard, 
If in this test but faithful it be found. 
Pronounce forgiveness, therefore, on my fault, 
By thee so held, but not by me intended, 
Through which if I with thee am lower esteemed, 
Restore me to my place and favor lost. 

Sams. Out, traitress, out ! I can as soon re- 
store thee 
To new acceptance, as thou canst restore 
Thy fealty and thy trust of silence lost. 
Even were thy words sincere, how couldst thou 

hope 
Would go my faith, or favor, or my love, 
Where my esteem could not and confidence, 
Or long remain, where these could not remain ; 
How could they, where no worth or value found, 
So heinous is thy sin that thou hast sinned? 
I before all the daughters of my nation 



28 SAMSON MARRYING 

Esteemed thee and loved; unlocked thee all my 

heart ; 
Not as a trial designed of marriage-faith, 
But overcome by importunity 
And strong assurance of thy wifely love. 
Was this thy wifely duty, wifely love 
Assured, thus to desert me, thus forego me, 
Slight me as naught, betray me to my friends 
Esteemed, but now as foes and hostile held, 
Then to beseech me, and with feigned remorse 
Entreat my new acceptance and new love ? 
Thou shouldst not so direct against my notions 
Presume thyself, and then presume forgiveness ; 
Or, if thou dost, know thy presumption false. 
Lil. Yet further hear me, Samson; that my 
love 
In this not slackened, but the more assured, 
Know, through my fear for thee I have revealed 
What, but for this, had never been disclosed. 
I saw thee here among thy enemies, 
For such they are, though friends to thee pre- 
tended, 
Single and unarmed and thence against them 

weak; 
I feared what harm they might inflict upon thee, 
Cast from their hope to solve thy riddle set, 
And deemed that thou might'st easier lose thy 

forfeit 
Than spare thy life, with thy lost love to me, 
And all the pain that love deprived attends 
For this have I misdone, if must be deemed 
What for thy own best good and highest end 
Intended, by regard for thee impelled 
Through love, which, if well meaning though 

harm wrought, 
No blame attends, but pity rather and pardon. 
These pleadings satisfy the laws of love, 



SAMSON MARRYING 29 

And therefore thee, if thou to love a subject. 
Let this appease thy wrath and thou the rather 
Applaud my dauntless resolution bold, 
That against thy displeasure sought thy welfare, 
Than censure the light holding of my faith 
To thee engaged, not to thy harm engaged. 
These reasons, then, these, these, and more be- 
side, 
May well, if not deserve, at least implore 
Thy pardon and thy favor and thy love. 

Sams. Since thou wilt cling still to that odious 
plea 
Of love, pretended, faith to me, abjured, 
Hear me, if I pronounce thy refutation. 
No token of thy faith could I esteem 
Of higher proof, or love to me engaged, 
Than the maintaining of that faith and love 
By firm hold on thy word to me assured. 
For where is found no faith of man and wife, 
Mistrust and fear must lurk, inconstancy, 
Mutual doubt, suspicion, that shake sore 
Their inward peace of mind and wonted calm. 
My welfare was thy thought ; what if my welfare 
I lower held than faith of marriage-bonds? 
Of which the one thou shouldst have kept to me, 
The other left to whom it most concerns ; 
Or how couldst thou presume what I, thy head, 
Had charged thee absolutely not to do, 
And then not raise in me utmost displeasure, 
Knowing, as needs thou should, so disobeying? 
Thou only seek'st fresh opportunity, 
On pardon granted, to insult me more, 
And with more open impudence betray me. 
Thy acted parts and feignings I contemn, 
And count thy specious pleas not pleas, but lies. 
Lil. Then if these reasons win thee not, let win 
thee 



3 o SAMSON MARRYING 

What else I suffered, ere I could consent, 
What snares were set, what sieges girded round ; 
Some small commiseration this may gain me, 
Perhaps, from thee, not from my hope quite 

cast. 
It was not wanton disregard of faith, 
As thou inferest, or I of thee infer, 
Slackening of wedlock duty, wifely love, 
Still firm my faith to thee as first, but weakness 
Against their importunity to oppose 
Is my excuse. Thy bridal friends and guests, 
Thy friends esteemed, hence firm to thee es- 
teemed, 
And toward thy interest, set upon me, pressed 

me, 
Urged me by all the ties of civil duty 
And of relation, to obtain thy secret 
And give to them, when once I had obtained ; 
Assuring me, not against thee designed 
Occasion of quarrel ; but dishonorable 
Thus to permit an alien to our race, 
And our inferior held, to advantage thus 
Upon my kindred, on my countrymen. 
These proving vain, they threatened cruel death, 
Constraining me to wrest thy secret from thee 
And tell to them, that solved thy riddle set. 
With such assaults hard pressed, though scrup- 
ling much 
To circumvent my faith, at last I yielded, 
Unlocked them all thy secret and their will. 
But let me find some place to show contrition, 
Samson ; reject me not thus for my fault, 
By sad event so found, not deemed at first, 
Loss of thy love and thy displeasure gained. 
Upon my known offence and sin allot 
Whatever punishment, and I will pay 
To the full reckoning set my heavy score, 



SAMSON MARRYING 31 

So I may still to favor be restored ; 

And in thy anger be some mercy shown, 

How small ; nor from all hope cut me quite off. 

Regard my weaker sex and weaker years, 

If in thy heart some pity harbor still, 

And bear with me in my infirmities, 

Which with thy help I shall in time o'ercome, 

Perhaps ; without thy aid and favor not. 

So shalt thou, as thou dost in strength excel, 

In mercy and compassionate pardon so. 

Sams. Such punishment, as on my own I take, 
To thy sin I allot ; and if no more, 
Thou wilt not readily seek like penalty, 
Loss of all love, and sharp mistrust engendered. 
Thou wouldst not for thy husband wish me, thus 
Loveless and unendeared, a mock and scorn 
Among unperjured women, faithful wives. 
Forego they seeking, then, or own it feigned, 
After a fact so heinous, to thy husband 
Unchaste, unfaithful ; for a deed so faithless 
Argues a heart like faithless and unchaste ; 
Nor can their pled constraint absolve thy sin, 
Since under my protection, as thy husband, 
Thou first obedience owed'st to me, not them, 
Who thence thy countrymen no more, nor kin- 
dred, 
Though they to thy refusal had attached 
A threat more cruel, joined a heavier doom. 
Yet much I marvel that my friends and com- 
rades 
Could move against me thus, the wagered for- 
feit 
Esteemed so slight, not worth a life to lose. 
Cho. Thou wouldst not wonder long, couldst 
thou but learn 
The occasion of our importunity. 
Our politic lords assigned us as thy spies, 



32 SAMSON MARRYING 

Though bridal friends and guests to thee pre- 
tended, 
Fearing some fraud on us by thee contrived, 
Not friendly heretofore, but hostile found. 
Guile, then, with guile, as best, they have op- 
posed, 
Cunning have matched with cunning, since force 

with force 
Single they could not ; from whose wished event 
Infers that strength, unless to wisdom joined, 
Made only to subserve where wisdom rules ; 
A lesson, Samson, which to thee we care not 
If we reveal, since thus from thee we learned ; 
Whom much we need not fear from this attest. 
Sams. Was this that solemn oath and faith af- 
firmed 
By your dread lords to me, and me to them, 
So to requite with perjured guile the trust 
In them reposed by acquiescence given 
To their request, though strange and out of wont, 
My nuptial tendance from their nation chosen, 
Not mine, as custom old and use obtains? 
Where, also, was that oath to me assured, 
By you assured, of faith and friendship firm, 
When I received you for my bridal friends, 
Not with reluctance, as I feared in aught, 
But openly, as numbered of my nation, 
When ye by cruel force constrained my bride 
To wrest from me and tell to you my secret, 
Thereto set on by your designing lords, 
Themselves not true, but in false league combined 
To wrest their oath and break their pledge se- 
cured ? 
This was your honor and Philistian faith, 
Wherein, put to the test, how dully shows 
The coin debased of friendship counterfeit, 



SAMSON MARRYING 33 

And when with mine compared how foul ap- 
pears ! 
Among the daughters of your nation found 
I sought a bride, which proved in me no guile, 
And here among you held my nuptial feast, 
So further my sincerity attesting. 
If aught against me, then, your lords have moved, 
They did it impiously, against the laws 
Of nations, laws of hospitality, 
Violating thus their country's fairest ends. 
With such no league can hold, since disregarded 
Those principles that base and found a state, 
Honor and faith and fair intent to all, 
Without which none begins, or long endures. 
Too much I cannot gratulate my chance, 
In time discovered both a faithless wife 
And faithless nation, both alike in fraud 
Exceling, found unfaithful as unchaste ; 
Nor shall I greatly sorrow, if to both 
My faith I break, since both to me have broken, 
Cho. Thou wouldst not dare, except thou dost 
presume 
Upon our suffrance, thus abuse our patience 
With insult to our lords and us avouched, 
Pretending broken faith and oath outraged 
By us, when thou occasion only sought'st 
To do the like, but never couldst surprise, 
And which through fear of us durst never seize. 
False pretext, since from us to thee needs hold 
No faith, victor to vanquished, lord to slave ; 
Since in fierce battle we thy nation vanquished, 
Regaining thus the glory of prowess lost 
Of Palestine from thine, who thence our subject, 
Toward whom we hold what faith soe'er and 

league, 
As to a race inferior and enthralled. 
Nor think we greatly dread, as thou presumest, 



34 SAMSON MARRYING 

What the utmost of thy might on us can do, 
Would fortune but fair opportunity. 
Afford, as once before, soon should'st thou show 
A lower courage, use a smoother tongue, 
Spite of thy vaunted strength and valor framed. 
Let this be warning, then, that may suffice, 
And not need force, or stronger, to impress. 
Sams. I fear ye not, nor all your force ; the 
rather 
Welcome such contest, what ye dare against 
The merited assay of this right arm 
Provoked, though first, yet not the last, reward, 
Of faith-breach, league thus loosely disallied ; 
Nor other time I know, or like to be, 
Or other place, so suitable as this, 
To show you what this vengeful arm intends, 
Or to receive your utmost brunt of battle, 
Whatever, then, your sudden valor prompt, 
Sit on, nor deem that I shall hence be far. 

Cho. Not long should hesitation hang, nor se- 
quel 
Delay thy vaunt with force returned, wert thou 
Our equal, worth our valor to assail, 
Not rather insult and declined emprise 
By us accounted, thus with thee engaged, 
Our subject, our inferior, our thrall, 
Beneath all notice, worthy but contempt, 
Or best chastised by those whose pride, as thine, 
In lips unrazored and like boistrous locks, 
Thus by a woman, not by men, subdued. 

Sams. I thought thy circling pretense thus 
would end 
In vouched disdain, insult to valor offered, 
Tongue-doughty, whom no insult ventured on, 
No force, could more, except with idle breath, 
To venture or return, if offered fight ; 
And, as might well be thought, as ye in fraud 



SAMSON MARRYING 35 

Excel, so now in cowardice, since thus 
The hand maintains not what the tongue pre- 
sumed, 
Thus insolent, untractable, unquenchable, 
Not worthy notice, beneath all contempt, 
And likest those who profit by respect 
Of sex against all honor and fair faith ; 
So now with futile answer like returned. 

Lil. Samson, once more, ere lastly thou pro- 
nounce, 
Let me obtain forgiveness for my fault, 
Which I confess, and well could wish not done, 
So unforeseen the sad event derived ; 
Nor thus disjoin our vows, this day conjoined. 

Sams. No, no ; it suits not thou and I were one, 
Twain now in heart and soul as twain in race ; 
Nor frame thy thoughts to speech in artful mode, 
As to her spouse by faithful wife and dear. 
Thy amorous nets no more shall tempt my feet, 
Once in the snare, and well-nigh fatal, caught ; 
Nor thy unfaith my credulous faith betray. 
On thee, who art a woman, and exempt, 
I will enforce no violence, nor on these 
Aids to thy fraud, respecting both thy sex 
And their false oath ; but others of thy nation, 
Since all perceived set on like enmity, 
Will not exempt this, but will deal toward them 
As enemies, wherever chanced or found. 
Yet think not for the base return ye made 
To my regarded faith I shall as base 
Return, or for that wagered forfeit set, 
By you so foully gained with perjured sleight, 
Ye have long time to wait, or I to seek. 

Cho. Which if thou gain within time boasted 
thus 
Will prove a shrewder riddle than thy last 
With search to find the satisfying solution. 



36 SAMSON MARRYING 

Sams. O double breach of faith to me pre- 
sumed, 
And insult dire returned 
To my regarded trust, 

Which with as greater shame must on me show, 
If tamely and ingloriously endured 
Affront so vile esteemed 
And foul indignity presumed 
From heathen and profane, 
Yet no return attempted on my foes ! 

Was it for this that plighted faith secured 
And mutual pledge engaged 
Assured your firm regard sincere, when I 
With fair and open intent 
Sought league with you and mutual amity, 
And, further to assure the bond sincere, 
Among you chose a bride, 
Approving thus my steadfast loyalty 
To that pledged word assured ? 
Which by you basely broken 
Compels me, unwilling else. 
From the dear side and loved society 
Of her but this day linked 
With me in faith of wedlock bands. 

Yet not through fear seduced or drawn, I go, 
Of what your utmost 
On me may inflict ; 

But to requite such faith-breach offered 
And insult foul presumed 

With what becomes of extreme vengence urged, 
My purpose, and, by right, studied revenge. 

Cho. Go, then, nor think we greatly dread 
What the utmost of thy might 
On us is able. 

Though to thy vaunted strength were joined 
The total force of those that serve thy God, 
With the utmost of his deity seconded ; 



SAMSON MARRYING 37 

Whose puissance we ere this have proved, 

And found it against Dagon 

Useless and vain, ridiculous, despised. 

Go therefore, where thy heart inclines, 

Whether to death, or some more shameful fate, 

For strict necessity naught less 

Upon thee allots, 

In that direful fold self-tangled. 

Lil. He's gone ; and how he may revenge him- 
self 
By stirring up his wrath to hostile deeds, 
My heart misgives me, sore divine of ill, 
Since readily he passes no affront, 
However slight ; how, then, should this escape, 
Se heinous in his sight and foul esteemed ? 
Who could have thought he would so strictly hold 
The urged offense, my broken faith to him, 
Given but by way of jest, and not intended 
Binding on me, since not on him constraining? 
Yet since he could persist in his affront 
After my suit for pardon, I shall not 
Greatly deject myself for my offense, 
No reasily care to gain his love endangered, 
So readily shaken as not worthy deemed, 
Only our schemes miscarried I deplore, 
To draw him into our power and through my love 
Render him our subservient and our thrall ; 
Captive at home, a prisoner to love 
Esteemed, so held, more in our power secured. 

Cho. Be not disturbed ;i no serious harm upon 
us 
He can inflict, how much his anger chafe ; 
What strength soe'er live in those mighty limbs, 
Though doubled more than now, he cannot cope, 
Single and unarmed, against a nation armed ; 
For, as thou knowest, he long ere this dispatched 
Homeward in haste his countrymen and sire, 



38 SAMSON MARRYING 

Fearing some further affronl upon them offered. 
Nor to the citizens much harm can lurk 
In his displeasure visited upon them 
Perhaps before the popular tidings published. 
For with his father and his kindred parted, 

\t\^\ the known cause therefor, the city rings; 
Him also present sole the city knows, 
And with prevention will ward off all harm. 
rii.it he hath now departed all our hounds 

And hath arrived his father's house, were likelier, 
Than tarried in the midst o\ enemies. 
Thus from his kindred ami from succor far. 
Be not disheartened, then, and have uo care, 

Either for self, or kindred, or thy nation; 
Bui rather like tin lot which hath prevented 

A wedlock so distasteful to thyself, 

Yet rather to thy friends, his paranvmphs, 
t )i whom thou mayest a second mate select 

Suitable to thy choice, since now thy former 

I'-s express word and action hath divorced thee 
Constrained to bonds by force against tin will. 
Lit, Then, chiefly by your kind assurances giv- 
en, 
Pledges of dear regard, I take no fear 
Upon myself for what I have misdonej 

Not so intended, sinee 1 other deemed 

The event, and him, not now, as heretofore, 

Subservient to my asking and my will. 

.And since Ivy his own act and express word 
He hath divorced me and left, so let him go; 
1 can as easily find another mate 

As he, ami one oi better faith, perhaps, 

To take affront upon SO slight offense. 

Not for Some breach of faith endangering life. 

And though with his my fame may stand traduced 

Pattern o\ most uuconjugal unfaith. 

Yet here, among my kindred and mv friends, 



SAMSON MARRYING 39 

And all my tribe, what I could more esteem, 
I shall be fa moused of those faithful women, 
Who, to promote her cherished welfare, chose 
To set their country's faith above their own. 
Nor shall I much repine, if I receive 
The favor of my nation and my friends 
To recompense my zeal for country shown. 
If he at this take envy or despite, 
1 leave him to his lot, and cleave to mine. 

Cho. Nor less thy fortune hold ; since not un- 
grateful 
To thee or us or all thy nation numbered. 
Thou in thy country's favor satisfied 
Shalt need no husband, that to thee a husband 
Less ready to abjure thee and forsake 
Than he, who, for his perjury done this day, 
Merits no name of husband and no wife. 
Nor dread thou long the sting of love disprized, 
Soon in a second passion comforted, 
More faithful than thy first, and more endeared. 

Li!. Still less, then, shall my choice repent or 
change, 
That firm assures my country's favor gained 
For his, to whom in wedlock joined were shame 
Unutterable, intolerable, and worse 
Than fancy might conceive or fear might feign — 
Not, therefore, to be sought, but every way 
Avoided, as what worse to me might fall, 
Nor in my present mind to prosecute, 
Thus unsurmised, unworthy, undesirable. 
But by what means soe'er to circumvent. 

Cho. Yet see! for yonder comes in haste 
That famoused, that renowned, 
Invincible Samson, 
Manoah's mighty son : 
Though not, as when he parted, 
Cloudy defiance lowering on his brow, 



40 SAMSON MARRYING 

But in his look more mild sits calm serene. 
His burden borne the wagered forfeit deemed, 
Doubtless full satisfaction and discharge 
Of his sworn oath and faith to us engaged. 
Remain ; for thou with him shalt see some sport 
Perhaps, nor shall he work thy harm in aught. 

Lil. Whom I with all persuasion will assault, 
All amorous arts and fair enticing words, 
If in my power still to appease his mind 
With what amends, so highly incensed against 

me, 
Yet now perchance by time elapsed more mild, 
Or, if not so, still to our purpose bent. 

Clio. Howe'er the event may turn, alike im- 
ports. 
Sams. I come not, comrades, to accuse my 
chance, 
Though ill perhaps, or wish it had not been, 
As of unfriendly event. For, where effect 
Hath ended hope, the former mind forgets, 
As though desire or wish had not been known. 
Wonder not, then, though wonder well were 

moved 
Perhaps at this so sudden change perceived, 
That I, who late such heat of anger felt, 
Then justly deemed, now show of different mind 
And different purpose changed so soon. For so 
It suited not that I, who late conjoined 
Friendship and league with you, and fealty firm, 
By solemn pledge confirmed, should all disjoin, 
For one slight difference held, one trivial breach, 
Though first but hardly held, friendship so dear 
And amity, nor that your just reproach 
Resented my slack failure to fulfil 
That bond secured, since I not then refused 
The trial, as I now the forfeit not, 
Best surety of my pledge. Wherefore behold 



SAMSON MARRYING 41 

The wagered forfeit ye had won of me, 
And say if this be satisfaction deemed, 
As I to you engaged, or wanting still. 

Cho. Full and complete adjudged, nor lacking 
aught ; 
And worthy thus thy fame, that in brief space 
Incredible thy pledge thou couldst redeem. 
Yet much I marvel that in time so short 
Accomplished thus, despite thy vigor known, 
Since to thy place and here return accounted 
No journey of a sabbath, loaded so 
A wonder well thy might so much endured. 
Who, then, shall ravel this aright, and set, 
To me shall seem of fame no less deserving, 
Than who thy former riddle rightly searched. 

Sams. That thou hast gained thy forfeit gaged 
suffices ; 
Further concerns thee not. But much I marvel 
How chances yet my wife upon this place, 
Not in the riddling contest now concerned. 
Say, woman, hadst thou not enough offended 
By treason to me and hate unconjugal, 
That thou shouldst more contumely and reproach 
Heap on my head, thus witness to my shame ? 
Or dost thou further seek to excuse thy fault, 
Rather to approve thy innocence confirmed, 
Open to all, and easily apparent ? 

Lil. Samson, by sad experience well I know 
How little force with thee my words can find ; 
And that my own perverseness I may thank 
No interpreter than thy displeasure needs. 
But granting all, I still beseech thy love, 
Earned by repentance and by penance sore, 
Loss of thy love to me, not mine to thee, 
That still remains, and strives in thee to raise 
Like measure of itself. Forsake not thus 
Her, whom thy love once chose to recompense, 



42 SAMSON MARRYING 

Nor easily repulse, lest thou shalt feel 
With me the secret sting of love refused 
Too late, when mine to thee no more endures. 
Sams. My love I gave thee once, but thou 
didst use 
With what abuse ! How, therefore, could I ven- 
ture 
That love again, fearful of like return? 
Thy infidelity have I refused 
And treason most unconjugal, not thy love. 
These, then, forbid my love's return, not I, 
Who only pleasure should own and new delight, 
Once more if love should knit our vows disjoined, 
So linked anew in willing wedlock-bands. 
Yet that this once could be I cannot think, 
After offense, so unprovoked committed, 
That mutual amity and faith could grow 
Where fires of fierce mistrust have burned so 

deep. 
Such reasons, then, should warn thee to forbear 
Imploral of love and mutual faith renewed, 
Howe'er desirable and fair appearing, 
Lest by a second lapse and heavier fall 
In hate thou deeplier plunge, with second shame 
Drawn on thee, thy renewed reproach and mine. 
Lil. That I toward thee no harm or ill in- 
tended 
Witness the love I bear thee ! Let me find 
Some place to show fit recompense, nor thus 
Repulse my penitence, disregard my tears ! 
Though I herein offended, not so deem 
Ever I shall again — such agony 
Of love and inward pain, amorous remorse, 
Till now I never felt, nor shall again. 
Since never more I mean to try, once tried 
With sad event, the pain of thy displeasure, 
That teaches me not lightly thus to hold 



SAMSON MARRYING 43 

Thy faithful love to me, so dear, unequaled ; 

Lacking which, how shall I endure to live, 

Lost from the consolation of thy love, 

Joyless and unendeared, hopeless and sad? 

As when a traveler, at shut of day 

Faint and belated, scans the landskip round 

For shelter gainst the night; meanwhile sun 

sinks, 
Sky lovers apace, and sullen-rising winds 
Moan wandering round their vast aerial hall. 
My fault performed I acknowledge, here abjure, 
And falling at thy feet, I clasp thy knees, 
A suppliant, and beg thee, as a boon, 
Not with displeasure and contempt returned 
My proffer of peace and amity renewed. 

Sams. Hence from my feet! nor think thy 
acted parts 
More shall with me prevail, though once pre- 
vailing. 
I know thy amorous arts and amorous wiles, 
Though nearly to my cost, thy toils and trains, 
The wont of every woman, like thee, false. 
Didst thou not break all vows, deceive, betray, 
Once to obtain my secret in thy power, 
Then, with what speed thou couldst, post straight 

to these, 
My spies and rivals, and as a thing of naught 
Reveal, abjuring bonds of marriage- faith ? 
Yet now on my weak credence couldst pretend 
Repentance, feign remorse, what but in hopes 
To win me to thee again, when thou wouldst hold 

me 
Uxorious to thy power, thy thrall complete ! 
Once more thy odious pretense I contemn, 
And count thy spurious pleas not pleas, but lies. 
Lil. Then since thou wilt renounce me, thus 
against 



44 SAMSON MARRYING 

Thy marriage-faith, thee I renounce, disown, 
Nor hold my husband, but account it free 
To choose as likes my choice ; nor think the slight 
Thou set'st upon me easily overpassed 
And no return attempted. In thy stead, 
Thy paranymph, whom thou hast used thy friend, 
I here espouse, and trust to find of faith 
Not to desert upon so slight offense, 
Not breach of wedlock-faith engendering hate. 
This if thou like not, since thou art sole cause, 
Thou must endure, since no redress is found. 
Full leave of me thou hast to do the like, 
If thou canst find, my doubt, a second mate, 
After thy faith to me and fealty shown. 
However, then, it likes, or likes thee not, 
Thou to thy lot may'st cleave, as I to mine. 
Sams. Whatever, then, thy inclination bids 
thee, 
Do therefore, now no more with me at one. 
So less than ever by this last act of thine, 
That teaches plain, if still were need to learn 
After thy former proof sufficient had, 
How miserable lot with thee to live 
Were mine, thus with a noxious bosom-snake 
Entangled, had I not cut thee quickly off, 
Before the threatened sting received. Nor less 
Knowledge to choose a second mate I know, 
In thy example warned, not by the bait 
Of beauty snared, that falsest sign of virtue ; 
Then only fair, where goodness, virtue, shines, 
That even the plainest lineaments illumes, 
True beauty ; other, lacking these assured, 
Comely or homely, with indifference gazed, 
Or trivial passion felt and notice passed ; 
Not truly beautiful, save truly good. 
But I too long in this unfriendly place 
Have stayed, nor yet delaying. Ye, who take 



SAMSON MARRYING 45 

These pledges won, though now to have gained 

esteeming, 
And with imagined triumph flown discerned, 
Think me not so unpractised or unskilled 
To set the hazard on a single throw — 
A second riddle set, but the solution 
Not now so easily gained, since on yourselves 
Depends, if ye would have ; though now not far 
It yet remains to learn, nor, would ye know 
Whence were these gotten spoils, long time to 

wait. 
In such concerns I leave ye. So, farewell. 

Cho. So let him go, a riddler to the last. 
But where in time so brief his forfeit gained 
Now entertains my thoughts. Yet is most likely, 
Since of Philistian mode, some wandering mer- 
chant, 
By force constrained or gold, hath furnished 

them; 
Since other means or other place, than thus 
To obtain them in his power, none appears, 
And he on us durst no reprisal venture ; 
For had he thus, by this and here the attempt. 
Lil. Thy thoughts I fain would share, but can- 
not hope ; 
For, at his parting first, a surly chafe 
Possessed him, thus defrauded, as he thought, 
With wrested honor where he felt secure 
His faith ; and, though more calm of mind ap- 
pearing 
At his last coming, somewhat in his look 
And action moved uncertain, that hath left 
Doubtful and dark my mind ; not easily, thus 
By cunning overreached, will he defer 
His vengeance, if already not exacted 
Whate'er return or chosen recompense. 
Expect, then, soon to hear tidings unwished, 



46 SAMSON MARRYING 

And for of other import than now deemed — 

Some horrid deed, or dismal accident, 

And sad to us in the end, not joyful proving. 
Cho. Yet if thus found, or no, it cannot long 

Hang in suspense thus doubtful, whether we 

Erring be proved or thou, between whom now 

The sure event must arbitrate, 

And so, perhaps, not far defered. 

For now I see approaching, 

With altered garb disordered 

And visage uncomposed, 

One in port and mien announcing news ; 

Draws on a pace, and in his look 

Tidings of other sort than late received ; 

By his habit known a Philistine, 

As well as I may guess, 

One of our nation, sure, though not of ours. 

What wind hath driven him hither conjecture 
fails, 

But, by his frown, not fraughted well for us. 

Attendant. Ye, that upon this place now present 
stand, 

One here attends with message to you brought 

Of what hath chanced from Samson, for such 
gained 

While he the place inquired, for Timna bound ; 

And now awaits assurance, here at hand. 

Mes. Men of Philistia, since that such ye are 

Appearance testifies and rumor, say 

What city this, and who the habitants ? 

Cho. Think then at once both inquiries satis- 
fied, 

Though thou not yet declared, if Timma known, 

The habitation of the sons of Caphtor. 

Mes. Then ye to whom the sad concern per- 
tains. 

Yet miserable, that to my lot should fall 



SAMSON MARRYING 47 

The dread relation strange to be imparted, 
Though haply to your ears by this the tale 
Has come ; so ill the news, it travels post. 

Cho. Nothing we know in aught concerns us 
sad; 
Nothing to startle or astound, except 
Thy strange demeanor and thy outcry strange, 
As though on ours some dire calamity fallen. 

Mes. Nor far at variance deem thy guess from 
truth. 

Cho. Intends thy speech the full significance? 

Mes. Not less esteem ; though yet so strange 
the event 
Occuring, slow belief will credit scarce. 

Cho. I am curious what this riddle may im- 
port. 

Mes. Perhaps thy wish gains unthought satis- 
faction. 

Cho. Tell us at once ; for so suspense in news 
Tortures, the worst at once were better known. 

Mes. So dire a tale would soon proclaim it- 
self, 
Nor ask a tongue. But, if to full repletion 
By rumor unconfirmed already filled, 
Urge not so hard, nor with so keen desire 
Seek what remains behind, lest evil tidings 
In full relation heard bring grief in surfeit. 

Cho. Yet still set out thy news, whate'er thou 
knowest. 

Mes. Hither from Ascalon am I, to. which city, 
Past midday as we kept about our thrift, 
Came Samson, peaceful then to us as seemed, 
Though otherwise the event approved, so dread, 
So direful ; whom our rabble straight assailed, 
Matter of scorn to them and gaze, untried, 
Though not unheard from rumor and report, 



4 8 SAMSON MARRYING 

What dreadful might stored in those massy 

limbs. 
Yet for a time he seemed unchafed, but stood 
With eyes fast fixed upon the ground, nor no- 
tice 
Gave, nor attention, to their insolent rout, 
As is their wont to strangers and alone. 
At last, with head erect, and eyes uplift, 
That blazed with burning light and sparkles dire 
Shot forth, he uttered voice to this effect : 
Hitherto, as your inclination led, 
Ye have performed, and I unmoved beheld ; 
Now in my turn I mean to try, if ye 
Stand as unmoved, while I my part acquit. 
So saying, nor with further voice vouchsafed, 
But stern regard on his tormentors bent, 
Fierce as a chafed wild boar from out the wood, 
When hounds and huntsmen, galling, rouse, he 

set, 
Single and unarmed, upon his enemies ; 
Whom when among, smiting with mighty force, 
He felled to the earth, as mountain oaks and pines 
Felled bv fierce winds, when, rushing forth from 

all 
The quartered earth, they vex the wilderness 
With forests whole crushed down or torn up 

sheer ; 
So he whome'er he chanced upon opposed 
Buffeted low, or, raised in air, dashed down 
To the hazard of their heads and ruined sides. 
None might with hope oppose, or long withstand 
Such onset, as, now roused and raging fierce, 
He seized on trunks, or limbs, or heads, or arms, 
And crushed, or bruised, or swung and dashed to 

death, 
Till thirty, of our choice and flower esteemed, 
Lay numbered slain ; till when his anger burned 



SAMSON MARRYING 49 

Unslackened, unexhausted, unappeased. 
Lastly, such fierce destruction to oppose, 
Weening his triumph, since he thought recoiled 
And wearied by so mighty number slain 
Who by his prowest acts had wrought such harm, 
Ahiman, of the mighty Anakim, 
Come towering, armed in gorgeous panoply, 
Helmet, and greaves, and brazen shield, and spear 
Whose staff a weaver's beam and massy head, 
Chalybean-tempered steel, a talent's weight, 
Vant-brace, and gauntlet, brigandine, clad en- 
tire — 
And cased from head to feet in perfect mail. 
Whom, when he saw, disdaining, as before, 
Advantage save in strength, or weapon's aid, 
Samson, whom now transcendent valor raised 
To highest deeds, with mighty force rushed on ; 
And, little recked or none what warlike toils, 
Thrust spear, or brandished blade, or javelin 

poised, 
Threatened him, or what towering bulk opposed, 
The pillars main that bore the edifice 
Caught in his grasp, and tugging to and fro 
The haughty pile, with fierce convulsion shook, 
As waters pent, till down the structure drew, 
Felled to the ground in ruinous heap — a mass, 
Shattered and maimed and wrecked, of shudder- 
ing flesh, 
Crushed plate and broken mail and ruined sides, 
Mangled with ghastly hurts in head and limb 
Pent in and bruised by all his armor bent. 
After which fearful slaughter, in our streets 
Standing alone, since all had fled aloof, 
Fearing yet harm, he raised a mighty voice 
And cried aloud : If hitherto ye sought 
Reason of what I do, since unprovoked 
By you esteemed, know that in Timna found 



50 SAMSON MARRYING 

Both these your robes and of my deed the cause. 

Or, if ye further seek and more desire, 

These tidings carry to your lords, intended 

My answer to their acts and vindication 

Of what themselves provoked and drew, which 

more 
Fully the ill befallen ye can explain. 
Then, stripped their robes and as a burden placed, 
He, disappearing, vanished from our sight 
Suddenly, and as strangely as he came. 
Ye have the account of his performance, then, 
Full and complete, wherein if thee be found 
Matter of joy, rejoice and gratulate. 

Cho. O fearful vengeance on thy foes in- 
flicted, 
Samson, by proof strongest of mortal men ! 
Alas, if such thy tale, no cause of triumph 
In this appears, occasion more to wail 
And knock the breast ; nothing but ill and foul, 
Nor aught to quiet us in a loss so shameful. 
Nothing remains for joy, naught but dispraise, 
Dishonor, fear, and shame, and foes' contempt ; 
Since never from one so dire a chance hath fallen 

us, 
Wherein no glimpse of hope, none of revenge 
On him, the dread occasion of our loss 
And cause, with all best speed by this departed 
And from our borders passed beyond pursuit ; 
Since evening, rising now, begins to tell 
Her starry rubric. Nothing, then, remains, 
Nothing but lamentation, then, remains 
For so great loss, and after to confer 
With counsel plotting how to reach revenge, 
Since never overpassed with disregard 
So foul dishonor stuck upon our front, 
This day's disgrace, our sad reproach and shame. 



SAMSON AT TIMNAH 



ARGUMENT 

Samson, his wife having been made the bride 
of another, his paranymph, taketh vengeance by 
setting foxes and fire brands among the corn and 
vineyards of the Philistines, who either in re- 
venge, or as an act of justice, burn the Timnite 
and his daughter. While conversing of his ex- 
ploits with the chorus, his friends and comrades 
at Zorah, his mother enters, and begs him to be 
reconciled with his father for their difference dur- 
ing the marriage at Timna. Samson hesitates, 
but at last consents, going, as it may be, to his 
death, yet departing, before his father arrives, 
upon tidings of the outrage to his wife. For 
Samson, either desiring vengeance for the slight 
put upon him, or not accepting the deed as jus- 
tice in full, parts to Timna, slays the Philistines 
with great slaughter, and thence withdraws to the 
rock Etham. Manoah comes in during his son's 
absence, making inquiry of his whereabouts, ex- 
plaining that he now desires to be reconciled to 
Samson for their difference at Timna. While thus 
occupied, a messenger, an Edrew, entering, re- 
lates the story of Samson's exploits ; and the 
drama concludes. 



PERSONS 

Samson 

Manoah, his father. 
His Mother. 
First Messenger. 
Second Messenger. 
Chorus of Danite Youths. 
Servant. 

The Scene, at Zorah. 



SAMSON AT TIMNAH 

Samson. O what a swarm of restless thoughts 
aroused 
Awakens in me, while I contemplate 
From earliest years my strange eventful life, 
Well suiting to that mission high imposed ! 
For first, as I have heard my parents tell, 
My birth by messenger divine was brought 
Unto my mother, hitherto, though loth, 
Childless and barren, and before had prayed 
A son from Heaven, as she sat reposed 
Amid the field at cool decline of day; 
Next to my father, then much moved by doubt 
Of what the showing meant, if vision true, 
Or false presenting as a pretext urged, 
Since open vision or prophetic dream 
Long since were not, and this might startle well 
With so strange tidings, hard for slow belief, 
A second message also was vouchsafed, 
Confirmed by solemn miracle, the seal 
And sign of truth ; for, when the kindling flame 
Rose with the sacrifice from off the altar, 
The angel, mounting, rode thereon to heaven, 
After conception assured of me foretold 
To free my nation, break her cruel foes. 
And so, when due time was, and all fulfilled, 
My birth arrived, as late declared, the earnest 
Of doubtful cherished hope. But this not all ; 
For still in youthful years and yet a child, 
Heroic actions warmed my heart, when seeing 
My nation subject to their heathen lords, 
Myself ordained, perhaps, to set them free, 
That I should Israel from such yoke redeem, 
My sacred task divine imposed from Heaven. 
At this perceived my mother much rejoiced, 
Heartening thus my youthful hopes : O son, 
Cherish thy thoughts so high, but not presump- 
tuous, 

53 



54 SAM'SON AT TIMNAH 

As might be deemed, since not as ordinary 
Thy birth, nor unannounced ; but to me seated 
Amid the field, thence gone for solitude 
And prayer for children, childless then and bar- 
ren, 
The messenger of God appeared, who told 
That thou shouldst be and when, thy mission 

high, 
To rescue Israel from Philistian yoke. 
Hence I thy thoughts from earliest days have 

eyed, 
Awaiting what best time to set before thee 
That high annunciation and divine 
Mission on the enjoined, that I might show thee 
Thy marvelous birth and dedicated life. 
But this remember sure, that in thy hair 
The sacred secret hangs both of thy might, 
Wondrous beyond compare, and safety placed. 
This, therefore, ponder well, that naught may 

tempt 
Thy ruin, and thou unadmonished fall. 
Then, when my years were grown to man, strange 

promptings, 
Fulfilment of my youthful thoughts, which 

yearned 
With hopes heroic inflamed, that I, perhaps, 
Might free my nation from Philistian yoke, 
Roused me to more among my enemies, 
The Philistines, those proud oppressors cruel, 
Where easily all their prowess I surpassed 
In tests of strength and strenuous feats displayed, 
That they, stirred up by quick revenge and 

hatred, 
Endeavored oft to get into their power 
The- secret of my safety, sought in vain, 
Until, through passion frail and amorous snare, 
Once I beheld and loved, as they supposed, 



SAMSON AT TIMNAH 55 

The daughter of the Timnian infidel, 
And sought her, though against my parents' wish, 
Who saw this not, as I, as sent from God, 
The occasion of my glorious task enjoined, 
To be my wife, through passion ? no, but urged, 
I knew not how, by movings unexplained, 
Certain in this, from God, and therefore followed 
Rightly, as his divine behest. Then going 
To claim my bride, the lion roared against me ; 
But him I caught with mighty hold, and shore 
Easily off both hide and crested mane, 
Tearing him as he tore the yeanling kid. 
Whence was that riddle hard, by me propounded, 
When to the place arrived, to those choice youth 
Assigned me as pretended friends, but spies 
And rivals by their actions after found 
To gain solution sought, long mused in vain, 
Last through base sleight secured, my bride en- 
forced 
To wrest from me and tell to them the secret 
That solved my riddle set, the pretext furnished 
My great work on our enemies to begin ; 
Of whom thirty, their flower and choice esteemed, 
At Ascalon I slew, bearing their robes 
To Timna, as the wagered forfeit won. 
Where, at my visitation last, her father 
My bride refused, upon my paranymph, 
Whom I had used my friend, bestowed, avering 
To her my utter hate supposed, and offering 
Her younger sister, fairer claimed — a blot 
Purged by the fires the foxes bore, when flamed 
Both shock and standing corn with vineyards 

grown 
Amid the olive orchards, theirs, whose toil 
Had eared the field, as false adultress found. 
And now I wait what further may be moved 
Among the Philistines, by this aroused 



56 SAMSON AT TIMNAH 

More than the former insults on them offered, 
Certain of this, that good to ours shall come 
Through yet occasion to hostility 
Upon our foes, herein so highly incensed. 
What this may be I know not now, perhaps 
Not need as yet, since in due time revealed ; 
For what concerns me then God will disclose. 
But yonder through the trees I now discern, 
With rivalry of steps that steer this way, 
A friendly troop, my chosen companions dear, 
Auxiliars and associates to my hope. 
In many a hard task set my surest aid ; 
Whose purpose, if some sudden wonder move 
Now of their coming at this hour unused, 
Their fraught, whate'er it be, will soon disclose. 
Cho. Where shall we find whom long our 
search hath sought, 
But to our sorrow in vain, 

Through all his wonted haunts and known fa- 
miliar paths, 
In Zorah and the vale of Eshtaol, 
That witnessed his annunciation high 
And marvelous mission enjoined ; 
Then after saw his might prodigious grown 
To manhood and prime of strength, 
The promise well fulfilled of youthful years? 
There now perhaps he wanders, thus withdrawn 
Remote from sight of men, 
And meditates what more 
Upon our foes to inflict, 
That may fulfill deliverance begun 
Of Israel and our freedom lost restore, 
His mighty work foretold, 
And task from Heaven imposed. 
Mountains, and all ye caverns, that may hold 
Deep in some far recess 
Our mighty champion wandered, 



SAMSON AT TIMNAH 57 

His earliest view at infancy and last 

Vision departing beheld, 

If anywhere he harbor in your fastness 

From us him long awaiting, 

Restore him safe back to his friends and home. 

Sams. Comrades, and ye that seek, suppose 
your search, 
If whom ye sought I am, here finds an end. 

Cho. Can this indeed be he, 
That famoused, that blazed, 
Invincible Samson, promised long 
Our land's deliverer? whom we sought 
So long our quest and baffled search, at last 
With joy and rapture beheld, 
Whose glorious might, our nation's bulwark 

reared 
Unbroken by hostile brunt, discomfit sore 
Wrought hard upon our foes, 
When thirty, their flower and choice, 
By Ascalon fell, our champion strong approv- 
Matchless in might, the miracle of men ? 
And thus fulfilled that early promise, shown 
Beyond question sure, 
When, to debate his path, the lion proud, 
Roaring against him, reared 
His mighty bulk opposed ; 
But he, with violence insupportable 
Tearing him, cast aside 
The carcase, a hive for bees ; 
The perplexed riddle set and stubborn test, 
That taxed their utmost, 
And stumbled many, beyond question fallen. 
If thus, beyond our hope, 
After long search and anxious quest, 
To us indeed thou come, 
So long awaiting, 



58 SAMSON AT TIMNAH 

Resolved at last of fears and timorous doubt, 
Say, then, what great intent had rapt thee from 
us. 

Sams. My mission known and purpose high 
imposed 
In our dread lords and cruel foes impeled me 
To fresh occasions of hostility; 
From which but now arrived and now returned, 
To me, your friend and comrade, as thou saidst, 
This grateful welcome comes as not unkindly, 
After a passion cold and bed unchaste. 
What therefore ye would know, boldly inquire ; 
And I, as far as may with self-esteem 
Consort, will satisfy your thoughts put forth. 

Cho. Thy former injuries on our foes inflicted 
To us think not unknown ; for who so far 
Retired from frequent haunts of men, or tongue 
Of popular fame, by notice as not known 
Thy bold deeds on our enemies performed, 
At least of thy own countrymen and kindred ? 
To whom thy marriage-choice unfortunate 
In sad event, as seemed, not more unknown, 
Though most approve the consequence, avering 
Better no wife than one so faithless found ; 
In which opinion also we concur. 
But such as thou yet lately hast accomplished, 
By common fame nor tidings yet arrived 
Brought to our ears, these then to us divulge, 
Since yet unheard from rumor or report, 
Much less the true relation and distinct. 
Wherein if aught be sad, as from thy words 
Thus much perhaps infered, then share with us 
The full load of the sorrow that thou bearest, 
That fellowship in grief divide the smart, 
And not upon thy shoulders all the burden, 
Too much for one, as best becomes our office 
To hearten with aid, as body, so of mind. 



SAMSON AT TIMNAH 59 

Sams. Your purpose, friends, is kindly, and 

approves. 
A wonted zeal and care for my concerns, 
Though sore and hard desired recital given ; 
For who could wish, though to whom friendly 

told, 
His own remorse and grief set forth, whence thus 
Repeated and redoubled to more shame ? 
Yet fairly have ye asked, nor shall ye lose 
Desired relation, though old griefs, awaked 
By memory of those deeds, with fresh assault 
Besieging, without intermission urge. 
Words, kindly meant, but unadvised cast forth, 
Salve not my sores, but,_like unskillful hands 
That would be medicinal, yet lack the art, 
To further aggravation only tend, 
Opening afresh a wound new-healed. Yet so 
I shall delay desire nor slack in aught 
Relation of those deeds which God by me 
Singly hath done upon our conquerors, 
So told, as late accomplished, that, as due, 
Though ours the advantage all, to him the praise 
Who of his special favor thus vouchsafed. 
Ye knew that I had chosen my bridal choice, 
Prompted thereto by God, impulse divine, 
Among the daughters of the Philistines 
Idolatrous, unclean, unceremonial, 
Much to my parents' wish opposed, who saw not 
Herein, as I, as sent from God, by occasion 
My great work on our enemies begun, 
The task whereto I was by Heaven proposed. 
Hence they beset me sore, and urged me hard 
Such purpose to forego, and quite give over 
Intent so main esteemed against our laws. 
But I persisted blind, and would not notice 
Or mother's tears or father suppliant, 
Deeming it ill-advised, if not unfaithful, 



60 SAMSON AT TIMNAH 

After impulse divine, prompted by God, 

My mission to forsake, or now draw back 

From this great entering on my task proposed, 

Thus recreant to that high injunction given. 

Nor still repent me of my choice, by God 

Urged and set on, though it cost me all that pain 

Of conjugal infidelity endured; 

Which, though forseen not, still approved as fair, 

If so his purposes may best be furthered, 

My mission, and great end of being on earth. 

Cho. Yet furthered thus my mind misdoubts, 
against 
God's strictest law and thy vowed purity 
To seek a bride of stock idolatrous, 
Uncircumcised, unchaste — a thing forbid, 
Scandalous, and esteemed in the highest unworthy 
Our nation or our God, and in our law 
With pains and penalties severest punished ; 
Yet disregarded late by some, who mix, 
In such ill-mated marriage as obtains, 
Their blood with heathen, which abhor to join, 
Join with result thou seest, our nation slaved 
And painful servitude. Well, then, may it chance 
That thou upon thyself draw'st thy own ills, 
And more shalt draw, by this uncounseled act 
So opposite to our customs and our laws. 
Yet so it may turn out, since thy intent 
Found worthy, that God will of favor rule 
Good from this act to come, not else ordained. 

Sams. All things are best done when they may 
be best, 
And as they may be ; means not much import ; 
So they suffice the time, no question needs. 
If wrong herein were found, God had not so 
Have prompted or permitted to an act 
Against his own best good and highest end 
That champion, for this purpose reared express, 



SAMSON AT TIMNAH 61 

To free his nation from their chiefest foes ; 
So by this act his contradiction proving 
With evil wrought for good — not thought of 
God. 
Cho. I oft had wonder at thy marriage-choice, 
Since of thy own tribe women given so fair 
Who willingly had yoked with thee in bonds ; 
The more, because thy separation known 
To God and mission imposed seemed to forbid 
License or choice to thee, else overlooked 
With small respect, or unregarded quite. 
But now thy vouched permission and command 
Might well excuse in thee, if else, a fault 
Not to be overpassed, or unrespected 
In one by Heaven's gifts adorned so highly, 
And more in one to such great service missioned. 
Sams. Then to the feastful marriage gone, my 
father 
Abused, as known, departed thence in anger, 
Because I would not, for that insult offered, 
Wreak vegeance upon those who thus had ven- 
tured 
Violence against him ; deeming not as yet 
Sufficient provocation, since no breach 
To me of faith, nor that Heaven-gifted strength, 
Bestowed to public benefit, not private 
Respect, rightly here used ; nor still was ripe 
My purposed deed, since yet my sire and kindred 
Sojourned at Timna, which on them might draw 
My punishment provoked, if, they found present, 
Violence I presumed ; whence came that breach 
Between us opened, nor yet closed entire. 
But when I saw my bride unchaste and faithless, 
My secret on fair pretext gained, then basely 
Given to my spies and rivals, and perceived 
How impudently and with what insolence 



62 SAMSON AT TIMNAH 

Their faith-breach first confessed, then of their 

lords, 
By them set on and urged unto the act, 
Knowing by this all put on enmity, 
Since disregarded quite their solemn faith, 
Toward them I dealt as enemies, where chanced, 
And parting thence to Ascalon, I slew 
Thirty, their flower and choice, bearing their 

robes 
To Timna, as their wagered forfeit set ; 
Whence parted, here in anger I returned. 
But she, the hateful source of all that strife, 
My bride espoused and wed, unknowing taken 
From me, as basely was bestowed upon 
My paranymph, whom I had used my friend, 
Exampling well boasted Philistian faith, 
Unfaithful, unregarded, unobserved. 
Therefore, in time of harvest parted hence. 
And passed to Timna, I found my bride refused, 
Espoused another, and, which was far worse 
Than insult yet presumed, her father proffered 
A younger sister, fairer, in her stead, 
Either by way of justice, though thus viewed 
Scarcely, or else, which seems presumption fairer, 
And to their apter mind, more to enrage, 
Already chafed and sore, my passion roused. 
Cho. But for such dire affront and insult stud- 
ied, 
Ere this perhaps, thou hast made some dreadful 

way 
To satisfy the full of thy revenge. 

Sams. I paid my enemies in their own coin, 
No counterfeit, be sure, as this may show. 
For, after their pretended given amends, 
Not to be so deceived, or cheated yet 
Of what by right my own, nor still to show 
Regard, more than I felt for one so faithless, 



SAMSON AT TIMNAH 63 

Yet here more than the Philistines blameless 

found 
Though unto them so sore displeasure done, 
With friendly assistance furnished, thrice a hun- 
dred 
Foxes I caught, yoked two and two with brands 
Fast-fixed, that, touched with nimble fire, shot 

forth 
Flames thick and fast among the vines and corn. 
They, as they ran, with heat incestuous seized 
Whatever adverse chanced, which violate, 
Both vines and standing corn adulteress played, 
Cheating whose hard-used toil had eared the field, 
(Their falsities in turn how well repaid!) 
Nor ceased, until that marriage-ransom given 
At least not to the takers more remained. 
Of what from this may spring, or how their lords 
Will move, doubtless herein highly incensed, 
I have no thoughts ; but still of this feel certain ; 
Not long will they endure so foul affront 
Put on them, and not more somewhat in answer, 
If by no more set on than merest shame ; 
To me the sooner come the better liked, 
Since thus occasion to hostility 
Means what but freedom reft sooner regained? 
God having long since given them justly up 
For their delusions and idolatries 
Into our hand, had we not headlong followed 
To idols, and transgressed command imposed 
So strictly, as not lightly to be held ; 
Nor humbled yet ourselves, but persevered 
To evil, though God oft of favor raised 
Deliverers, by us as oft contemned, 
Choosing ignoble ease to strenuous freedom, 
(O folly and extreme of weakness found!) 
Who, with a tithe of valor shown before, 
Might easily have shaken off their yoke ,.; 



64 SAMSON AT TIMNAH 

And ruled o'er them, as they o'er us now rule. 
But vile unmanly weakness held us bound 
To serve; servility rewarded well 
With servitude and servile punishment. 

Cho. Thy deeds heroic bring to mind 
How famous champions else, by Heaven endued, 
With strenuous effort have assayed 
To free their nation from a cruel yoke, 
The mighty Gideon, nor so far 
By time removed, brave Jeptha famed ; 
Others of less renown, but equal merit, 
Shamgar, Anath's bold son, and later named, 
Barak and Tola, 
Champions yet approved, 

Though of their fame unlike memorial known, 
Yet these, ungratefully received, 
Ungrateful more were left, despised, suspected 
By whom their valor freed, deserving 
Far better thanks repaid, 
Which yet their lot obtained, 
Than shame and shown contempt on glorious 

deeds. 
Yet these in part achieved ; reserved perhaps 
For thee, our known deliverance raised, 
And thence acceptable found, as fit, 
Our total reprieve to accomplish. 

Sams. Yet to the men of Israel not so, 
Witness their slack indifference to my deeds, 
Worse than their hate, or envy, or suspicion 
To me, their great deliverer ordained ; 
Rather than whom receive, they sit in bonds 
Under a hateful yoke, abject, despised, 
Disglorified and shamed, disprized, dishonored, 
Though to what glorious freedom once destined. 
Yet so perhaps God's purpose high fulfilled, 
Time to himself best known and instrument, 
If by a single arm their bondage broken, 



SAMSON AT TIMNAH 65 

That his be all the praise, none due to them, 
Who held so faithless covenant express 
Unworthy, unregarded, unobserved, 
And God's high gifts despised as valued naught. 

Cho. Dark are the ways of God, 
And darkly ordained 

His counsels, yet his purpose vindicates them, 
Designed our test of faith 
And trial of fortitude. 

He had not else, except his purpose served, 
Prolonged our expectation 
With sure deliverance offered thus postponed, 
Nor left so long unsuccored 
His chosen people under heathen yoke 
Abject, despicable, unworthy, vile, 
So chosen once to rule 
The land where now they serve. 

Semi-cho. But they forsook his yoke, though 
just and mild, 
And bowing down to worship wood and stone, 
The work of human hands, 
Served after other gods, 
Brutish and foul, Baal and Ashtaroth, 
With others many more, 
The dark idolatries among the heathen round, 
Insensate, and provoked their Living Strength 
To turn away his holy eyes 
And leave them to his judgments ; 
Who, thus incensed, hath justly given them up 
To serve the worshipers who served their gods. 
But they repented not, nor yet sincere 
Received the mighty ministers he raised 
To their deliverance ; 

But treacherously dealt, and God contemned, 
Which caused them added woe, 
And wrought their deeper shame, 
To extreme pitch of abject fortune fallen. 



66 SAMSON AT TIMNAH 

Semi-cho. So let not like ingratitude afflict 
thee, 
Samson, by trial approved 
Strongest of mortal men; 
Rather may he, whose minister thou art 
And mighty imaged strength, 
Regard thy toils and to thy labors place, 
For thus he only can, 
As to thy hopes thus far, successful end. 

Cho. But see ! from forth the house retired, 
With face where hope and fear contend 
Thy mother comes ; advise 
With her what converse thou holdest. 

Sams. Her fraught I part may guess, though 
still unknown. 

Cho. Some sorrow, needs, for so her looks in- 
fer, 
Fallen and dark, and doubtful speech essayed, 
Which, ere it frame to words, on the pausing 

tongue 
Dissolves to sighs. But now she moves to speak. 

Mother. With lingering steps and doubtful sad 
persuasion 
I came, still fearful of thy absence, Samson ; 
Whom when I knew, belief would credit scarce 
What my ears evidenced and eyes received, 
My dearest expectation thus returned 
Beyond my thought, the crown of all my hope. 
And now, arrived from some great purpose done 
Upon our foes, since thus far I infer, 
Knowing thy task divine on thee imposed, 
Grant me, as first to these perhaps, relation 
Of what remarkably thou late hast done, 
That, as thy youthful hopes I shared, fulfilment 
I now may share by this recital given. 

Sams. Since ended scarce to these my actions 
done, 



SAMSON AT TIMNAH 67 

Defer request, till more convenient time 
Permit relation fuller, that, alone 
With thee, if once again my deeds recited 
To thy sole ear, I shall not seem to boast, 
As haply so, if now again recounted 
My exploits on our enemies performed ; 
Which would convert my glory to contempt, 
Though worthy all renown and highest praises, 
To ridicule and scorn, with laughter moved 
Of all who heard, and shameful title gained 
Of babbler, on my front the mark of fool, 
Doughty in words, not deeds, which of themselves 
Declare their doer's praise, if praise attached, 
But savoring thus dishonor done to God, 
Rancor and pride, impatience of renown, 
That comes itself, unsought, if truly so, 
And on my mission drawn contempt deserved — 
The height of folly found, and height of sin. 

Mother. Then, thus returned from purpose 
high achieved 
Upon our enemies, since from report 
Thus much I gather, grant me, as of old, 
Though with event more unrepined, be hoped, 
My first petition, Jeptha his daughter gave 
Up to his vow, a maiden consecrate, 
Virgin and dedicated all her days — 
Thus thou my prayer accept, and to thy father 
Be reconciled, who, hoping against hope 
Of thy forgiveness granted, knowing both 
His great indignity on thee and thy 
As strong resentment roused contrary, yet hopes 
Thy pardon, and through me desires be made 
Reconciled to his son, whom yet he loves. 

Sams. I did not, mother, at the first offend ; 
Nor do I now, as then I did not. hold 
Resentment, though such well might be provoked 
By such offense, and in such presence offered, 



68 SAMSON AT TIMNAH 

Debased among my fellows, disesteemed 
With lack of filial seeming thus avouched. 
Nor am I loth in aught, if might be healed 
The wide breach opened by his acts between us, 
Nor, still the fault not mine, yet closed entire. 
But I am not as when by due and custom 
Pardon to seek the first was mine, the offense 
Rightly not so, with reconcilement moved, 
As to a superior power owing reverence, 
Which well might sort with youthful duty held ; 
But now a man mature and grown to years, 
With rights and honors rightly due to man, 
Somewhat belongs to me of self-regard, 
Self-estimation ; which if thus my father 
Have disrespected, as the offense not mine, 
So also the first suit for pardon not, 
Nor easily to grant, as slightly offended. 

Mother. Yet still bethink thee, son ; though 
here be deemed 
Some nice regard to thy asserted right, 
As to thy proper guidance now arrived, 
He is thy father still, to whom belong 
As first by debt of nature, now of age, 
Thy duty and thy service and thy love ; 
Which bonds by time relaxed not, what thy years, 
Constrain thee, son, against thy present holding, 
Both to my granted prayer and his forgiveness ; 
Nor can I think thy mind, though stubborn now 
And firm of purpose, long will persevere 
Against that better-natured self, thy wont, 
As not by entreaty moved and mother's asking, 
So now, as first, a son obedient. 

Sams. I cannot else reply than what I have, 
And still retain that dignity of soul 
With self-esteeming thought, my pride and weak- 
ness, 
If rightly judged a weakness, and not rather 



SAMSON AT TIMNAH 69 

The sure strength and most firm prop to the mind, 
Which lacking, lacks all worthy objects else ; 
For, where esteem of self is wanting, wants 
Respect of others, nor is ever won, 
Until the dignity, that builds within, 
Create an awe and conscience of true worth, 
Informing both the soul and outward sense : 
Nor can I do my conscience thus far wrong 
As plead a fault, wherein no fault exist 
By my esteem and right esteem of all, 
To pleasure thee, a mother yet known dear. 
This, then, my purpose chosen and firmly held 
Despite what yet thou hast had to bear against, 
May teach thee to desist thy vain attempt, 
As found before, to move me, with reason armed, 
Truth on my side and justice, as thou seest, 
Thus, with my quarrel righteous, trebly proof. 

Mother. Is this thy final answer, then, re- 
turned ? 

Sams. So take it, with what sad reluctance giv- 
en. 

Mother. I am sorry what this stubbornness may 
cost thee, 
Samson, so persevered against regard 
Had to his proffered suit, by me so proffered 
As to thv right meet estimation had ; 
Nothing but ill, be sure ; which, though repented, 
Shall not escape whatever consequence, 
When thou in act, not less than apprehension, 
Shalt feel the pangs of love repulsed severe, 
Or to thyself some like offense presumed, 
The rights that love obtains regarded not 
Or outraged by some foul indignity, 
Which on thyself in no long time shall fall 
Perhaps, when thou too late repent'st thy crime ; 
My warning then regarded, but too late. 



70 SAMSON AT TIMNAH 

Sams. My crime it is, thou sayest, not first to 
move 
Repentance, and first reconcilement seek 
Now with my father, at thy instance urged, 
Rather than disregard entreaty thus, 
Though of thy asking. Stands there no excuse 
Then on my part, no cause or reason found ? 
Was it no injury on his side performed, 
When at the marriage-feast and all in sight 
Of those who stood attending, bridal friends 
And comrades of my nuptials, in their presence 
Who waited to exult over my ill, 
Thus to debase me, slight me, and forego me. 
Insult, denounce me with reproaches heaped 
Of cowardice and heart unvalorous — 
The chief indignity of youth, and shame — 
Lastly to disinherit and disown me, 
Cut off from hope of honor, disavow me, 
With infamy upon my name denounced? 
Yet, after these indignities, and worse, 
Heaped on me with contempt, to sue his grace 
With pardon moved, beseech his love renewed 
And favorable face, his due offense 
Mine, not as his, acknowledged — the extreme re- 
proach, 
Yet now with all assurance on me presumed ? 
If access to my pardon thou hast sought, 
An erring way thou took'st. I will not grant it. 

Mother. Be circumspect, and of thy honor nice, 
But urge not to thy own contrition, Samson ; 
Deplore the offense, but not so rigorous hold 
Against the offender, whose extreme fault goes 
No further than a certain over-haste 
And heat, or ardor, in his right presumed, 
Not fitting to his age or place, perhaps, 
Nor due to some defect of mind, infered 
Broken with age or overworn, but rather 



SAMSON AT TIMNAH 71 

The workings of a pride surprised and hurt 
By question or denial of authority 
Once had, and still presumed, still thought pos- 
sessed. 
Rather than anger raise, then, or despite, 
It should obtain indulgence, make for pardon, 
As but the spark the virtuous temper strikes, 
Random and hasty, not the settled blaze 
Of steady hate, unquenchable, untamed ; 
And will so, in the truly noble mind. 

Sams. Thou arguest aimless ; since thou canst 
not know 
The just cause and due motive of my wrath, 
Not present on the place, nor knowing aught 
The offensive unextenuate circumstance, 
Hadst thou been there, or here the offense, thou 

wouldst not 
Have wonder at my anger or fixed mind 
Not to sue first or reconcilement move, 
No cause of wrong in me or error found ; 
Rather wouldst well approve and right aver. 
What I had done deserved no such return, 
Nor wouldst thou, in my place, gloss it o'er thus. 
Cease, then, to urge me more with pardon moved ; 
Thou but thy labor losest. I will not grant it. 
Mother. I do not, son, reproach thee that thou 
bearest 
Too heavily on his charge, for his default 
Exact'st too much, too far thy right presumest, 
That thou thyself rejectedst and disownedst 
First, ere thy father, and regardedst not 
God or thy country's law, that still forbade 
That false league with thy country's foe con- 
joined 
Of wedlock, to all thy ills the fount and source 
Now proving ; not thus for my wrath extends. 
But yet I tell thee thou hast wrong, if thus 



72 SAMSON AT TIMNAH 

Thou stand upon thy due, and give no heed 
To kindly admonition or reproof, 
Intended for thy good and welfare best. 
I thought thy ill-event in marriage-choice 
Had taught thee some regard unto my word, 
Then disregarded with result thou seest ; 
But now I see some false imagined pride 
Of thy due right and honor nicely held 
Weighs with thee more than all that I can say, 
And though I thought to do thee some small ser- 
vice 
Between thy father, I am moved to leave thee 
Unto that curse by him on thee pronounced, 
And add my own, to see how then may prosper 
That high pride against curses doubly heaped. 
Yet thou art still my son ; that still forbids 
What I with fond presumption thought to do ; 
By which relation dear I strongly adjure thee 
Now with thy father to be reconciled ; 
For he is more in years than thou, and deems it 
Not his to make suit unto thee, nor more 
First reconciliation with his son, 
As to his age and office an indignity. 
Though thou couldst not before, yet canst thou 

now 
Respect thy mother's tears, which how they flow 
Thou seeest, to leave thy stubborn purpose held 
By suit .for pardon, now in time besought ? 
And who knows to what perils thou mayest go 
By reason of thy mighty deeds achieved 
Upon our enemies, thy task assigned? 
Shouldst thou not stronglier do, and more achieve, 
If by our prayers and wishes seconded. 
Than striving against what ill curse may fall 
From God, because of thy refusal shown 
To grant what still from him thou must receive, 
Through thy temptation fallen, and not restored ? 



SAMSON AT TIMNAH 73 

Consider, then, if well thou canst withhold 
What for thyself in no long time besought, 
And of another be not more exacting, 
So found in like offense, than of thyself. 

Sams. Give o'er thy tedious siege, thus only 
found 
To this time, uneffectual, unavailing, 
Despite what powerfulest thou hadst to bear, 
And like to end as vain, so fixed my mind, 
So armed, so proof against extreme assault ; 
I cannot, nor I will not, grant thy asking. 

Mother. Have I besought, and vainly then be- 
sought thee, 
Humbled myself, where well I might command, 
Implored thy easiest gift, yet find me scorned, 
Denied, repulsed as thou were not my son, 
111 treated worse than by an enemy, 
The pains, which purchased dear thy life, be- 

mocked, 
And what thy constant love had well secured, 
Yet now as naught regarded, valuless? 
O why do men, in whom the spirit pretends 
Of wisdom, with no due regard or fear 
Before them, by example still untaught, 
Implore, beseech, and beg desirable 
The doubtful gift of children, fondly deeming 
Barreness found in wedlock a reproach ? 
For, when with answered prayer and given re- 
quest 
Obtained, our anxious life is filled entire 
With fears, if well or ill they shall turn out, 
And oftest shall, be sure, the latter end, 
Unkindly, unregardful, slack in duty, 
Or, worse, a deep reproach and wounding shame ; 
And, if by death deprived, what surcease then 
Of sorrow, loveless, joyless, desolate, 
Nothing desirable in life, and death 



74 SAMSON AT TIMNAH 

Not ready, though so ready found before ? 
Which infinite woe hath brought to human life, 
And shall bring, by experience unschooled ; 
But some ill destiny, or nature's bent, 
Impels. Which now my bitter lot obtains, 
One son, and one by one too many found. 

Cho. Samson, if we may venture, nor offend 
By privilege of friendship ventured thus 
And wonted old regard, consider well, 
Rightly if thou refuse offer thus tendered 
To reconcile, while yet occasion serves, 
And pardon more, while yet in time thou mayest, 
Before too late, and vainly then, besought. 

Sams. I had no thought to have replied again 
To what thou mayest have said, but thy strong 

sorrow 
And ruthful passion felt the like have raised 
In me, though not to overbear my purpose, 
Going into such peril, as thou saidst. 
But though I cannot all concede thee, yet 
Thus far I grant thee, though thus only, that 
To thy entreaty so much I will yield, 
As to be reconciled, if he will seek. 
More than this can I not, nor ask thou more. 

Mother. If this thy resolution, to no purpose 
My supplications, which I cease, perforce. 
Vain only and of such prevailment found 
As idle breath breathed forth against the wind ; 
But, going to thy father, will entreat. 
Thus far forbearance and his duty owed 
As to forego his elder right, and sue thee 
For pardon, as his first offense requires. 
Wherein with him if better I succeed not 
Than now with thee, matters no worse at least, 
If not improved, as yet my hope assures 
Of my entreaty again to him prefered, 
By me assailed, as lightly not refused ; 



SAMSON AT TIMNAH 75 

Which now shall first concern me. So, farewell. 

Sams. Misdeem not, friends, if herein I per- 
sisted, 
Perhaps beyond what just and right were held, 
To disregard entreaties deemed so dear; 
But after offense so sore and unprovoked 
If pardon asked, not mine the first to move, 
And reconcilement seek with what amends. 
I had not else have kept what faith and honor 
Due to myself I owe, and before you, 
After the full relation heard, had fallen 
With disesteem ; for where offense so great 
So easily pardoned, what can else be deemed, 
Save that who pardon grants himself thus values 
Cheaply, or none at all ; as I could not 
And still retain what self-esteem I have ; 
I should have so lost all virtuous regard. 

Cho. Thy conduct still approves thy wisdom, 
Samson, 
Herein to reconcile thyself, though late 
Repenting thee the former mind thou hadst 
Not to be first to move, or herein grant 
Reconciliation easy, for who knows, 
Which late thy mother said to move thy purpose, 
What perilous enterprises unforseen. 
Await thee, now our lords so justly roused 
By thy late acts more than thy former offered ? 
For they will not defer to wreak their vengeance 
So as to touch thee nearly, if perhaps 
To quell thy hostile force, having once learned 
Thy harass bold upon their land presumed. 

Sams. It cannot be too soon by my desire, 
The sooner come the better to my liking, 
For this express and purpose moved against them, 
To tempt them to their ruin who have provoked 
Justly God's anger by his chosen enslaved, 
Whatever, then, their sudden valor prompt, 



76 SAMSON AT TIMNAH 

Let them set on, to try whose found the stronger, 
Their god, or whom Israel's sons adore ; 
Then, after trial had, let him be boasted 
Whose champion's prowess best approves his 
own. 

Cho. O glorious strength, the means by Heav- 
en endued 
To our deliverance, 
As God oft before 
In his high purpose raised 
Mighty deliverers 

To free his nation from the heathen and profane, 
Who out of smallest things had well ordained 
Unquenchable force to quell the oppressor's vio- 
lence, 
The boistrous power of evil men, 
When, all their arms and mighty force contem- 
ning, 
On them surprised, amazed, 
Raft of defense, 

And by their folly to their own ruin drawn, 
So smitten with wrath divine, 
He executes his errand of destruction. 

Yet so his purpose high he oft delays, 
Proving his instrument. 
As fit to his great purpose 
By trial unsupposed, 
Some testing of his means, if they suffice 
To serve his mighty mission 
And purpose high decreed ; 
Yet, after trial had, if stedfast found, 
And fixed secure his faith, 
By peril or dread unshaken, 
But purposed resolute, 
He, in return, wants not some witness left, 
Some glorious proof of high regard bestowed 
And favor shown by Heaven. 



SAMSON AT TIMNAH 77 

Which still may be thy lot and chance endured, 
Samson, by proof esteemed 
Strongest of mortal men, 
Subjected thus to what indignities 
The tyranny of fortune can afflict ; 
Though yet may he avert, 
If so his counsel 
His purpose serve, 
From thee, our freedom ordained 
And mighty champion raised ; 
Though if he else determined, 
His counsel still his cause will wind vindicate. 

But now I see approaching 
One whose garb disorded 
And altered mien proclaim 

No uncertain news of what may late have hap- 
pened, 
Perhaps the consequences of thy deed. 
He will not far defer, nor much delay 
His tidings, whatsoe'er he may have gained ; 
Which to receive expect ere no long time. 

Mes. Samson, for such I knew thee by report 
If yet these eyes had not thy might beheld, 
Tidings I have that touch thy near concern, 
More than perhaps thou mayest imagine now, 
And for of other import than thou deemest ; 
So best related to thy ear alone. 

Sams. Sad must they be supposed, or joyful 
rather 
Esteemed, as to demand sole audience thus ? 

Mes. Sad to the sad, but to the joyful not ; 
Among which latter known I reckon thee. 

Sams. So much the less relation asks delay. 

Mes. So with like surety of the present audi- 
ence. 

Sams. Put forth thy tale ; no hesitation needs ; 
Friendly are all who stand, or like to hear. 



78 SAMSON AT TIMNAH 

Mes. Hither from Timna come I, whither oc- 
casions 
Drew me of late, where, as my business sped, 
Following the distant quest of some stray beast, 
Came rumor of thy acts, which had laid waste 
That harassed region whence thy bride thou hadst. 
Meanwhile thy bridal friends, with others more — 
For so I learned from such as present stood — 
By inquiry made now gained thy motive thereto, 
Thy bride by marriage faith-breach with false bed 
To thee unchaste, came up, her only seeking 
Who had provoked thy anger, thus unchaste. 
But when they knew her sire also concerned 
In her unchastity and violate oath, 
By him bestowed upon thy paranymph, 
Whom thou hadst used thy friend, excuse avering 
To her thy utter hate and shown contempt, 
Which argued thee no more her wedlock mate 
And thee no more regarding her as thine, 
Not that they much repented thy affront, 
But dreaded repetition of thy deed, 
Either to clear from their connival deemed 
The guilt of wedlock bands thus disallied, 
Or else terror to strike into their foe 
Who by his prowest deeds had 'wrought such 

harm, 
With fire they burned her and her father's house. 
Yet here to thee no cause of grief supposed, 
Though nearly in the sad event concerned 
Fortunate to have lost so faithless bride ; 
Rather more cause for joy to have thus escaped. 

Cho. Stand not so silent, Manoah's mighty 
son, 
As sore offended by such tidings heard, 
Or by pretended sorrow much distressed, 
Since here not due the wonted signs of grief 
That custom for so near a death demands. 



SAMSON AT TIMNAH 79 

Or happiness, or what forbids thy utterance ? 
Not sorrow, to have heard so joyful tidings. 

Sams. Alas, that favor high, to have received 
Command from Heaven imposed, 
As missioned to some great service, 
And by some acts of valor in part approved, 
If now to me, God's minister ordained 
And mighty imaged strength, 
Such insult ventured 
And foul affront presumed 
By heathen and profane, 

Thus disesteemed as naught who me commis- 
sioned ! 

Was it for this those tidings high descended 
By messenger divine, 

Who charioted in flames from off the altar 
After my birth foretold 
And mission high asserted, 
To break my nation's cruel foes, 
Task thus divinely set, 
As with attest of Heaven destined 
To some great work and glory 
By hopes beyond heroic thus unflamed ? 
Yet now, alas, forsaken ; 
Abandoned to foe's contempt 
Whose might I was ordained to quell, 
All helpless left 
To irreparable sense of shame ; 
Thus given to draw out miserable days, 
To foes ridiculous, 
A gazed and pitied object 
To all my friends and kindred, 
As not of force such insult to return 
Redoubled on my foes. 

Rather than which endured, so shameful, vile 
Wound to my honor esteemed 
Beyond all hoped relief, 



80 SAMSON AT TIMNAH 

This one petition, might I but he heard, 

Some violent death or evil end, 

Or aught, if aught, more dread 

Than perished unknown, ignoble, 

So cut off from remembrance of my shame ; 

To me the cure of my great woes regarded 

And welcome end of all my miseries. 

Cho.' All is of God, to some great end or- 
dained, 
Though darkened oft by doubt 
If thus his counsel best his purpose serve ; 
Who, as a trial designed of faith 
And tested fortitude, 
Submits to some affliction 
His chosen, that his glory may appear 
More glorious, and his counsel vindicate, 
When, after testings hard, he them appoints 
Enlarged deliverance, 
For their fault repented 
Favor renewed, 
Tempering so his justice with his mercy, 

Which chance may be thy lot and chance ap- 
pointed, 
Samson, thus visited 
With what indignities 
The tyranny of fortune may afflict. 
Deject not, therefore, overmuch 
Thyself, as lost entire 
And wholly given to shame ; 
Think to thy ill some good, however small, 
Conjoined at least, since now no longer found 
Thy linked and wedlock mate 
One so foully disregarding 
The faith of marriage-bands ; 
Better thy lot, endured whate'er, thus freed, 
Though by so hard mischance, 
From her, the cause of all thy miseries ; 



SAMSON AT TIMNAH 81 

Whom so to have lost esteem thee fortuned high- 

■ft 

And willingly receive what grief conjoined, 

Of smaller moment found, if justly weighed, 
To raise thy prosperous scale in counterpoise. 

Sams. Aye me! so soon that direful punish- 
ment 
Visited on her disregarded faith? 
Yet none to plead for mercy, and no place 
For pardon found? Stood there not one her 

friend, 
One on her part ? Must all have thus conjoined 
To her destruction, all in hate conjoined? 
Which, had I present stood, had else not been, 
Or more had rued the bitter consequence. 
But here no place for words or boastful talk ; 
Rather by deeds to learn if disregarded 
Marital rights and dues a husband holds 
With wanton outrage unprovoked presumed, 
Yet no return attempted. They shall feel 
Soon my displeasure heavy and fierce wrath 
Upon their heads, whose skill no further knew 
Than slaughter of the unoffending helpless 
To satisfy the vengeance their own acts 
Of faithlessness and broken league provoked ; 
Nor on the unsuspecting innocent 
Redounds this punishment, but they, whose acts 
Offended, they shall feel what wrath themselves 
Drew on them with unlooked for, dire return. 
Which now shall be my task, when preparation 
Suffices to my matters ordered right. 

Cho. Consider, Samson, into what hazard thou 
goest, 
If perilous enterprise thus draw thee forth ; 
All by this roused, thou seest, as not before, 
And hardly shall they deal toward thee, the cause 
Of all their harm, by this their deed performed 



82 SAMSON AT TIMNAH 

Thy ruin perhaps intended, in the snare 
So easily drawn, if singly thou adventure 
Among thy enemies thus fierce aroused. 
Forego thy purpose, or, if still thou holdest, 
Select, at least, some friendly aid who, under 
Thy conduct, will assist to thy revenge, 
And thus insure thy safe protection owed, 
As our foretold deliverance, to thy nation, 
And not to so rash valor victim fall, 
As well might chance, if singly thou adventure. 

Sams. Thy words are not unreasoned, but they 
fail 
Of purpose either that I should forego, 
Or share with proffered aid the high emprise. 
For what dread danger can so sore beset, 
As menace or much threat with serious harm 
Him to his land's foretold deliverance raised ? 
And to whom else, or by whose hand more fitly, 
Than who received the insult, either due, 
Or with stern compt exacted, the revenge 
Through what dread perils or shrewd toils pur- 
sued? 
Which if on one presumed, so much the more, 
If equal force sufficient in him found, 
Boldly, through opposition whatsoever, sought. 
I, therefore, I alone will undertake 
This hazardous enterprise, if hazard be, 
And not redounded glory on the deed, 
My presage, nor with other share the shame 
If I shall fail, or praise if I succeed. 
Nor long shall separate so sudden purpose 
Now entertained from swift accomplishment; 
Which good or ill fallen out expect soon tidings. 

Cho. Go, and be Israel's God 
Thy sure defense and shield, 
And strengthen thee with might in the inner man, 
That thou fail not ; 



SAMSON AT TIMNAH 83 

With us may he abide, 

Who, reft of thee, know double need 

Of succor and the Almighty's firm defense, 

But now I see old Manoah here approaching 

With hasty steps, doubtless thus come to seek 

Reconcilement desired ; though tardily moved 

Repentance, since his son new parted hence. 

This his intent or no we now shall learn. 

Manoah. Friends to my son, since that ye are 
appears 
Both from report and what before I held, 
If anywhere he harbor hereabout, 
To me, his father, as perhaps ye thought, 
Impart some tidings of his presence known, 
Approving both your friendship to my son 
And me, his erring sire, but now repentant. 
Cho. Thy son stood here but now, and parted 
hence, 
Bound on a mission difficult and obscure, 
Upon some tidings that concerned him nearly. 
About his soon return or no, I know not ; 
But how the event fell out he promised notice. 
Man. What news so sudden hath bereft him 

hence ? 
Cho. Touching his bride some tidings late ar- 
rived. 
Man. Evil were they, or well pronounced and 

fair? 
Cho. Both good and evil as the circumstance. 
Man. But how with him? well took he them, 

or hardly? 
Cho. Not hardly, though he purposed quick 

revenge. 
Man. And parted suddenly, so late returned ? 
Cho. But now he stood just here, and now is 
gone. 



84 SAMSON AT TIMNAH 

Man. I am curious what this mystery may im- 
port. 
Cho. What it portends in part I may reveal, 
But cannot all, for still the sequence doubtful. 
Shortly ere thou arrived, came one returned 
From Timna with strange tidings unsuspected, 
That told how to requite thy son's incursions 
Upon our foes the Philistines came up 
With gathered powers to inquire the cause 
Of his bold deeds and forays on them done ; 
Whereto was answered that because her father 
His bride had late bestowed upon his friend 
And paranymph, thus disregarding quite 
His due esteemed, therefore he had begun 
The harass of their land, as in revenge. 
Whereat incensed both at the deed and cause, 
And as an act of justice meant inflicted, 
Or of revenge in turn designed, or both, 
With fire they burned her and her father's house. 
Whence he, in turn aroused and worse provoked, 
Hath parted hence on our dread enemies 
Satisfaction for so foul affront to seek. 
Man. Went he in wrath, as though in passion 
crossed, 
Or rather in his face and mien appeared 
Sad resolution settled, as who seeks 
Not rashly, but with hate plotting revenge ? 

Cho. A while he stood uncertain what to do, 
But stood not long; wrath prompted him at 

length, 
And rage to find his rights deprived of husband 
Roused him the more and to a fierce vengeance 
Upon his foes to a worse doom reserved. 
Breathing out wrath he went, nor would accept 
Offered assistance, but departed straight 
Upon the purpose bound which we have said ; 
Yet not so soon as not with promised tidings 



SAMSON AT TIMNAH 85 

Of how the event fallen out, or good or ill. 

Man. Ay me ! too late I then arrived, too late, 
Both to forgive and be forgiven in turn 
By him now gone whom present I forgave not 
And wished not here, yet now forgive to find 
Not present whom to find I now would seek. 
But so my folly is my punishment, 
My stubbornness my shame, and worse becomes 
If he return and wounded by my coldness 
Not wish forgiveness, or if, ill befallen him, 
He never shall return, but sooner perish 
Than my repentance tardy might prevent 
With knowledge of my recompense, though late 
With what amends were in my power, that thence 
More eased in mind and somewhat raised he part ; 
Which now becomes my torment and my shame, 
Yet my just punishment and due confessed 
That have refused occasion, till too late. 

Cho. If aught of consolation may be drawn 
From this, take what for thee may be obtained, 
How small. His mother late, as thou hast known 
Perhaps, came to this place, and urged him hard 
To seek with thee first reconciliation, 
Avouching that from thy superior age 
Thou wouldst not make suit unto him, nor more 
First reconcilement, but still ready stood 
To grant his pardon, if he would but seek. 
He also was thus minded, and refused 
To entertain such thought, as first to move ; 
But rather seemed disposed, if absolutely 
Pardon refused not, long to be implored 
At least, and urged with many a forceful plea, 
Before he would consent to thy forgiveness ; 
Nor hotly spoke in wrath, but with that spirit 
Settled, and of all consequence secure, 
Less to be moved than any passion can ; 
Yet by entreaty strong she last prevailed 



86 SAMSON AT TIMNAH 

That he consented, but to this extent, 
As to be reconciled, if thou would seek. 
More than this would he not, nor might she gain, 
Howe'er by entreaty urging and strong plea. 
From which infered thy pardon granted quite, 
If thou but first would move, thy present mind, 
Since thus much he could not and not yield all ; 
Which consolation gather, if thou canst 
From this relation, of thy son's intent, 
Whose fuller pardon must await return. 

Man. With hope thy words relieve me for my 
fault 
Doubtful of pardon all, so sore provoked 
His anger, which my passion had aroused, 
Shamed by him, as I thought, before my foes. 
I knew me in the wrong, when passion cooled 
Had left a wonted calmness to the spirit. 
And to implore his pardon was I minded ; 
But age, though slow to wrath, unwilling yields ; 
Though to the wrong part drawn, when once 

aroused ; 
And hence my purpose, cherished long before, 
Of humble penitence and pardon implored, 
Till now defered — perhaps my lasting sorrow, 
The punishment deserved and well rewarded 
Folly to have been so causelessly provoked. 

Cho. Some difference risen with thee thy son 
touched on, 
In his desired recital of his deeds 
To us, his friends and comrades thus desiring, 
But not enough, nor with relation clear, 
As fully to enlighten what the cause, 
Thus glanced at as much more yet lay behind, 
Which not to us he meant so to impart. 

Man. Then what from him ye gained not take 
of me, 
Though to my shame the cause to you set forth. 



SAMSON AT TIMNAH 87 

At Timna, as we kept the marriage-feast, 
Samson put forth a riddle, whose solution 
Long sought, and mostly by his bridal comrades, 
But vainly by fair means, at last by foul 
Determined found ; and taking me unawares, 
They would have gained the secret, though un- 
known 
To me, as I avered, which they received not ; 
But next with cruel force would have constrained 

me 
And violent hands, had not my son, late parted, 
Timely arrived, forcing them to forego 
So foul advantage ; who, wishing, as supposed, 
Since thus far prospered all, not easily 
Broken in upon the order of the feast, 
Dismissed the affair with small regard or none. 
But I could not endure so foul affront 
Put on me, by such means abominable 
Seeking to make me traitor to my son, 
With no return, and would have parted thence, 
Stirred up with bitter passion at the outcome, 
To Zorah, had not my son with kindly intent 
Striven to detain me, whereat I, incensed 
With folly, which is now my chief reproach, 
Broke roughly from him, and denounced him, 

there 
Before them known his bridal friends and guests, 
Ingrate, unfilial, traitor to his duty ; 
That he, amazed, but still with kindness shown, 
Suffered me thence to part, and sent a convoy, 
His nuptial tendance from our tribe intended, 
Which brought me on my way. Later, as learned, 
His bride perfidious gained by some base sleight 
And gave his secret to those bridal spies, 
His friends assigned pretended ; by which means 
Deceived and wounded, cheated out of all, 
Where most esteem and faith he most presumed, 



88 SAMSON AT TIMNAH 

Towering in wrath, to Ascalon he parted, 
Whence he exacted all that marriage-forfeit, 
Leaving them blank of joy and blank of boast, 
Who traitorously had thus requited faith. 
But further have I learned not, nor in full 
What purpose or intent employs him now. 

Clio. After her nuptial faith so disregarded, 
For thus of him we gained, to Timna gone, 
He found his bride refused given to another, 
His paranymph, and what to him far worsened 
The insult offered, by her father given, 
Who first with plea avered to her supposed 
His utter hate, nor hence his wife regarded ; 
Next offered, as by way of justice thought, 
Or insult, further to extend reproach, 
A sister, fairer claimed ; whereat incensed, 
As thought of small account by the esteemed, 
So having put on him whome'er they wished not, 
Or found not to their purpose or desire, 
The harass of their country he began, 
Nor ceased, till for that marriage-ransom paid 
They had atoned in full the heavy score ; 
That they, in turn aroused, came up and sought 
Her death who had wrought their reputed harm. 
These tidings, then, to him recited late, 
Roused him once more to more about revenge ; 
Whose outcome, good or ill, we here await. 

Man. It cannot be in aught save good, since 
now 
Repented of his sin, that sought a bride, 
Contrary to our laws and laws of God, 
Among the idolatrous, unclean, unchaste, 
And from his known repentance thence forgiven, 
God will of favor bring him thus restored 
Where he some mighty service shall perform, 
Such as perhaps may gain deliverance promised, 
The divine task whereto he was ordained. 



SAMSON AT TIMNAH 89 

What if, even while we speak, among his foes 
Arrived, he now be wreaking dreadful wrath 
And dealing death upon his enemies ? 

Cho. Not doubtful, since to God is nothing 
hard, 
Much less impossible, who of himself 
Unaided could have wrought our promised free- 
dom, 
Yet rather chose to rear this mighty champion 
Ordained to our deliverance by his choice. 

Man. Whom since God so hath reared and 
high ordained, 
What better chance to do his mighty task 
Allotted than now, by revenge exacted 
Of his insulters, to accomplish thus 
Both his own private vengeance and God's will, 
With punishment upon their heads redounded, 
Who in their arrogance respected none 
Either God's law or man's due right, which gave 
The husband o'er his wedlock mate all power, 
Nor to another given delegate, 
Of conjugal unfaith, thence rightly punished 
As foe to God and man-^their added sin 
Who justly had provoked God's fiercest wrath 
With slavery of his chosen, to whom now 
Deliverance he appoints and bounds enlarged? 
Presumptuous thought, perhaps, yet not unhoped. 
His might we know is limitless, and well 
Accords his purpose to redeem his people 
From their chief enemies by his champion's 

hand — 
On whom why else this wondrous might be- 
stowed ? — 
Nor shall his high intent be frustrate found. 
Cho. His friendly mind we know, and know 
our state 
Untoward, until his purpose high fulfilled. 



90 SAMSON AT TIMNAH 

But tidings of the event somewhat by this 
Should come, so long he parted hence as easily 
Permits his full discomfiture or theirs, 
Which, whate'er known, were better far endured 
Than thus suspense and apprehensive doubt. 
This to remit I would some news arrived. 

Man. In which desire I also share, as fits. 
But who is this ? For now I see approach 
One by his mien and act perhaps hath come 
With tidings of what lately hath befallen. 

Cho. Thine eyes deceive thee not ; there does 
approach 
One by his mien and act expressly come 
With tidings of what lately hath befallen. 
Expect, then, soon to hear tidings desired, 
Which, good or bad, the full relation clears. 
And now he nearer draws, and now at hand 
Delays his traveled steps ; with what for us ? 

Servant. Manoah, and ye that tend upon this 
place, 
Some messenger from Samson here is come 
With tidings of what fate hath him befallen ; 
And now with inquiry of you attends, 
To render full recital, as befits. 

Mes. Old Manoah, and ye friends that stand 
about, 
If such ye are, and not descriptions err, 
To you my message, if this place and ye 
Whom thus by chance I find ; resolve my doubt. 

Man. Zorah the town, and we whom thou hast 
sought ; 
Say, then, from whom, and what to us thou hast, 
That thus thou hast inquired our place and name. 

Mes. From Samson, and late tidings of his 
deed. 

Man. Fair are they, then, or foul must we sup- 
pose? 



SAMSON AT TIMNAH 91 

Mes. Fair to whom good imports ; foul to 

whom ill. 
Man. Of which then may we deem to us thou 

bringest ? 
Mes. Not foul, to have received so joyful tid- 
ings. 
Man. Which we not yet receive till thou de- 
clare. 
Defer not, then, what soonest comes too late 
More than what, at the latest, comes too soon. 
Mes. Take, then, at once the sum ; Samson yet 

lives. 
Man. Lives, but captived or free, and how? 

explain. 
Mes. Both lives and now is free, as this as- 
sures. 
After his false bride and her father burned 
By no more time than swift dispatch sufficed 
Samson was made acquainted with the tidings, 
Which doubtless ye have heard, his bride des- 
troyed, 
By what foul means no more, and who the cause ; 
Which, as ye knew, incensed him to the height, 
His due he thought of husband disrespected, 
And he dishonored by so foul affront 
Unwarranted, unworthy, unprovoked. 
Soon in that region, whence his bride he had, 
Arrived, where now awaited all that force 
Collected to destroy who, thus unchaste, 
Had drawn his wrath and their accomplished 

harm, 
He saw, among them first, those bridal spies, 
Whose baneful arts had wrought his chiefest 

wrong ^ 

With practise foul, and yet to cost them dear ; 
Whom, then, unmoved beholding, thus he spake : 
Why have ye, Philistines, thus far presumed 



92 SAMSON AT TIMNAH 

Beyond your power and right to disregard 
My due as husband, when ye punished thus 
One under my protection as my wife, 
Nor owning your authority, but mine? 
And what intends your purpose, recompense 
Awarded, as by due, or forcibly 
Exacted, as my just pretense demands? 
Whereto with ready words his foes replied : 
Samson, since thus thou hast inquired our right 
To do this deed, know that thy thought concern 
Hath here no part, since neither of thy tribe 
The woman was, nor still thy wife regarded ; 
Which, as thy self, deem that we also knew, 
Nor knew ourselves not free to exercise 
Right on our own. though wheresoever found, 
Or to whom joined, as in this instance done : 
Which, if thou think to question, asks but trial 
Such as we here both offer and accept. 
What hinders, then, with final proof to try 
Thy right or ours the stronger, force with force, 
That we may know whose right be found su- 
preme ? 
So speak they, heightened in their victory deemed, 
Surveying him with eyes that only saw 
Success assured, whene'er his onset chanced ; 
As when a mountain oak, or forest pine, 
Or cedar, from the haunts of men remote, 
Some woodsmen in a mountain valley see, 
And, with awakened wonder seen, survey, 
Pondering where best to fell, in what part hewn. 
Whereto, still unabashed, he thus returned : 
Though thus far ye have done, yet not enough 
Connival deemed to clear from that foul blot 
Of wedlock disallied, by you abeted, 
If not set on ; wherefore I still on you 
Will be avenged, and after will I cease. 
So Samson spake, and from his eyes shot forth 



SAMSON AT TIMNAH 93 

Confusion, as when lightning glares from heaven, 
That withered all their force and courage drained. 
Instant, without delay, straight he advanced 
Upon his foes helpless to vengeance left, 
Until their first he gained, when, smiting forth 
With strenuous might, their foremost he assailed, 
Felling them with a fury unopposed, 
As, seizing on whatever part first met, 
Head, trunk, or limb, as chanced, naked or armed, 
He bruised, or crushed, or swung and dashed to 

death 
Whomever nearest stood, or dared make head, 
Though but with vain attempt, against his force. 
Such onset fierce they might not long endure, 
But turning fled, or groveled in the dust, 
Though warriors old and well to arms inured, 
Their plated backs under his naked heel, 
Such fury on them broke and wrath aroused. 
Soon to full flight their host he turned, dismayed 
By reason of such mighty number slain, 
Their choice and flower of chivalry, not only 
Of Timna, but each neighbored region round, 
Met from all parts to this great task imposed, 
To wreak fierce vengeance on their mighty foe ; 
Yet contrary proved their ruin and dismay 
From him, whose thus to compass they assembled. 
He, after victory won, his virtue worn 
Reposes, safe to Etham's rock retired ; 
Where now he waits what further may be moved 
Against him, if, after such attest of strength, 
They yet intend upon him, thus annoyed, 
Or meditates by what more force or guile 
Still to infest his enemies thus quelled 
With fierce compulsion. Well may they by this 
Rue bitterly the direful consequence 
Of their false acts and his attempted harm, 
Thus perished, all without exception fatten 



94 SAMSON AT TIMNAH 

Who braved his brunt ; they live alone who fled. 

Cho. O glorious vengeance on our foes in- 
flicted, 
Samson, by trial approved 
Strongest of mortal men ! 
Set on thereto by him whose counsel high 
And hidden purpose 
Endued thy mighty strength, 
Ordained to our deliverance 
When heathen and profane attempted thee 
Proof against all assault, 
Attempted to their ruin, 
Who only thought to quell thy force ; 
Yet contrary wrought their shame, 
While thou, their feats and mighty force con- 
temning, 
Against them gone, 
Sudden o'erthrew'st them as a flood, 
To them naught leaving but thy fare increased, 
And him high celebrating 
Who had ordained thy might and wondrous force. 

Now easier task awaits thee ; seconded 
By all thy nation roused, 
Back on thy foes victorious to return 
And fully accomplish thy great work begun, 
The mission high ordained 
And task by Heaven imposed 
That shall redound thy universal praises. 

Man. Come, friends, there seems not much for 
sorrow here, 
And lamentation ; more cause to rejoice 
That God, of his great favor, hath vouchsafed. 
Such recognition of his mighty champion, 
Who, by this prowest act, hath vindicated 
His office high bestowed; as much deserving 
To be rewarded well of all his nation, 
Whom, under God, he justly hath delivered 



SAMSON AT TIMNAH 95 

From their chief foes, upon whom now is found 
Naught but dishonor, fear, shame, and contempt ; 
To us deliverance he hath brought and freedom, 
If, without wonted slackness, now be seized 
So glorious occasion on our enemies 
Defenceless thus, of might to be opposed. 
And all this, yet God with him, as we hoped, 
With favor and assistance in his task. 
Nothing wants now, but that his nation roused 
Back on their foes return, with sore discomfit 
Breaking their force who them so long enslaved, 
And fully accomplishing his task begun, 
Theirs now as well, since all therein concerned. 

Cho. All is best, though oft endured 
Our grievous ills with questioned doubt, 
As undiscerned whereto they tend; 
Yet after trial, to our good 
Intended found and welfare best ; 
As now for us, when long matured 
His high intent his purpose serves, 
With vindication full and fair event. 



SAMSON HYBRISTES 



THE ARGUMENT 

Samson, for his incursions into the land of the 
Philistines and his hostile deeds, is preemptorily 
demanded of the men of Judah for vengeance to 
be inflicted upon him. He consents to be bound, 
and is brought before the elders of Judah, who 
form the chorus, at Hebron, there to be tried. 
Against their accusation of violating their law in 
taking to wife a woman of the Philistines, he 
urges his promptings from God, his marvelous 
birth, and dedicated life. While his trial is going 
on, the real cause whereof is yet not announced, he 
is visited by his mother, who at first upbraids him 
for his marriage contrary to the wishes of his 
parents, but at last urges him to fulfill the will of 
God concerning him, at the same time relating the 
story of his divine annunciation and mission, name- 
ly, to free his people. Samson, who had refused 
with absolute denial, at last relents to go with the 
herald sent to fetch him. After his departure, 
enters his father, Manoah, with anxious inquiry 
concerning his son and wife. His sorrow at the 
tidings is interrupted by the arrival of a mes- 
senger who, at first hesitatingly, afterward with 
more spirit, relates what hath befallen the Phil- 
istines from Samson ; wherewith the drama ends. 



THE PERSONS 

Samson 

Manoah, father of Samson. 

Ebrew Messenger. 

His mother. 

The Philistine Messenger. 

Chorus of Judean Elders. 

Scene : — Before the Gates in Hebron. 



SAMSON HYBRISTES 

Philistine Messenger. From utmost bound of Ju- 

dah's land I come 
To Hebron old, the seat of Anakim. 
Whether occasion draws these hastened steps 
Unto the governors and heads of tribes 
O'er Judah set, one Samson to demand — 
A mighty champion, bold above compare, 
For that, though our due thrall, he hath dared 

presume 
On acts rebelious, and done hostile deeds, 
Whose loud report at length hath roused our 

lords, 
That now, entering Judea with gathered powers, 
On him or all his tribe their purpose holds 
To wreak their wrath to the utmost point exact 
Of penalty. And therefore justice mete 
Render, he must, freeing the forfeiture 
Of wont alloted unto those rebelious, 
Or all his kind shall render in his room. 
But wherefore stirs no human shape abroad 
From yonder town or city nigh, since now 
The point of day? I will along and seek 
Who may inform these unfamiliar steps 
Unto the prime of Judah and her chief 
In rule, that I may take their purposed will. 

Chorus. A little onward lies the toilsome path 
For these faint step of age, 
A little further on, 

To yonder wayside place, our wonted seat 
There daily we resort 
And sit, dispensing justice — 
Rather say, bewailing 
The servitude of Israel and his sons, 
Despicable, abject, unworthy, vile, 
Whene'er, as now, the insulting light removes 
Night's charitable mantle from our woes, 
Showing them naked 

99 



ioo SAMSON HYBRISTES 

To the shame of day. 

O thou, that, with surpassing splendor adorned, 
Risest rejoicing, as the strong man in his might, 
To run thy golden race, 
To thee we call, O sun ! 
Whose flaming progress on thine eastern road 
With gladness all the earth 
Beholds, rejoicing in thy joy. 
O'er many an awful mount 
Unused to servile yoke, 
And over all the inviolable main, 
All sea-girt isles, that stud, 
Like starry archipelagoes 
Of night, old ocean's nether firmament, 
Unweariedly thy golden eye shall run 
Till eve's dim eyelid seal thy sight again. 

Semi-cho. Yet us no rapture fills 
For thy glad sight, no heart's bright incense, joy, 
Grateful shall rise, no praise. 
Thereof instead shall wailing and lament 
Vex all the burdened air, 
Aidless, unhappy, dark ; 
For thou, whene'er thou risest, 
Usherest in no joy 
To us, no hope, no gladness, 
But, in saddest stead, 

Despair and pain, anguish, and sorrow, and woe, 
When day leads back our night. 

Scmi-cho. Thy cheerful advent blythe, 
Which most men hail as long release to joy 
And glad purliens of light, 
To us (O miserable!) 
Is but the coming of the taskmaster 
Unto the fearful and o'erlabored slave, 
Waking the stinging thought 
To goad along the barren toil 
Of memory, and recall 



SAMSON HYBRISTES 101 

The glory of the past, the present shame. 

Cho. Yet now, perhaps, fresh grief draws hard 
behind. 
For I discern this way 
Some stranger tending, so I deem 
His habit tells, a Philistine ; 
His hand a herald's sceptre bears ; 
Bent all on haste, he nearer draws, 
And now, at hand, his traveled steps he stays, 
But, by his frown, with no good fraught for us. 
Philistine Mes. Ebrews, the Judean elders here 
I seek, 
Whom ye reports account. Say if I err. 

Cho. Thou aimest dextrously; discharge thy 

purpose. 
Philistine Mes. Elders, to you our lords thus 
bid me say: 
Are ye our slaves, our vassals, held our thralls 
By right of war to do whate'er we bid ? 
See on our sending ye deliver bound 
Into our hand Samson, forfeit and due, 
Since, though our bondman, he hath dared pre- 
sume 
On acts rebelious, and done hostile deeds, 
In that with fire our fields he hath laid waste, 
Harassed our land, harried and slain our men, 
And chief those thirty there at Ascalon. 
So gross a stain, touching so near our name, 
Must in no wise be glossed with smooth excuse; 
Hence, as our due, to take him are we come, 
And those ill deeds to recompense in kind. 
Thus much of him. The one command imposed 
Duly if ye perform, our purpose hither 
To other imports no violence or spoil. 
But so deceitful hope, or stubborn pride 
Obdurate, shall the execution slack 
Or respite, is the hazard thereby earned 



102 SAMSON HYBRISTES 

No less than threatens Samson, be assured, 
By chance he come into our power and hand. 

Cho. Such insolence like answers best befit, 

Philistine Mes. Such the command your law- 
ful lords have set. 

Cho. But have they not proved to their hurt 
his power 
Surpassing human rate, above the strength 
Of numbers to oppose, or banded might, 
So that our most avails not to perform 
The task imposed ? And therein if we fail, 
What but our own destruction can portend ? 
Return thy way ; thou seest we cannot do it. 

Philistine Mes, But this reply, be sure, will not 
suffice them. 

( 'ho. Perforce it will, so be it a better lack. 

Philistine Mes. Nothing is here for words, be 
sure ; for is not 
Your nation held subjected to our lords 
Their vassals, and by right of war their thralls ? 
And shall ye at our sending and demand 
Refuse our sending? Not, if well ye know, 
Your pretence thus by place of office deemed, 
That duty which to you by right pertains, 
To guard the public safety and your own ; 
Which, if thus rashly your refusal hold 
Against our just pretense assumed, alike 
Upon the utmost edge of hazard stand. 

Cho. True is, our nation is subjected held 
To your dread lords, deservedly, since we 
By force of arms defeated and enthralled, 
Who thence to you all due subjection owe 
As masters, and to your commands imposed. 
But that we here may satisfy your will 
Lawful enjoined, and, won by force or guile, 
Against the people yield into your hand 
Their champion, and the popular idol held, 



SAMSON HYBRISTES 103 

Thou mayest not think, since not in us disposed 
Either superior force to overcome 
Or civil power to compel his will, 
Since of another tribe, nor hence to us 
Owing obedience or judicial fear. 
Yet who subserves the public good, no mean 
Service, thereby not only honor bears, 
But hazard, due alike, and due the more 
As the degree in office higher stands. 
And wherefore should we here our risk involve 
With his, who hath denied and held our law 
In absolute contempt, as if in scorn 
Yoking base wedlock with the uncircumcised ? 
And which should we the more esteem and weigh, 
His safety, or the general, which by right 
Our first and our sincerest care demands ? 
For where the public to mischance exposed 
Lies through default of one, his doom should free 
Their danger, nor should all with him involve, 
As he shall find perhaps who thus offends. 
Wherefore bid send with best dispatch, and Sam- 
son 
Summon, to try if he perhaps be found 
Submissive to our need, if thus with him 
Persuasion may prevail to free his people 
From hazard, which his acts on them induced, 
Or else, though doubtful, if our force suffice 
To win him, or win from him what he can 
In power, since thus alike to us imports 
Destruction, from your force, or from his hand. 
These tidings therefore bear to your dread lords, 
Which may somewhat perhaps prevail to ease 
Our punishment, or dull, herein if we 
Not slack be found, but forward to obey 
Their bidding, whom by right of war we serve. 
Philistine Mes. I thought your reasons better 
would instruct, 



io 4 SAMSON HYBRISTES 

And force compel perforce what erst denied, 

With fear of worse conjoined, since all must yield 

To strict necessity, that governs all. 

But, how the event may turn, of this be sure, 

That favorable compliance more will gain 

Indulgence, and more favor will effect, 

That slackness or than flat refusal more 

Will hazard, if against your will perforce 

Unable to perform what now enjoined. 

This therefore ponder well, and be your speed 

So as ye hope your safety, that your toil 

May teach your minds obedience ; nor, thus fond, 

Vainly refuse again what with all ease 

Exacted, if our purpose that way tend ; 

Nor further warning think to you vouchsafed. 

Cho. High are the ways of God, 
And high to human sense expressed, 
Above the reach of erring man to know, 
Alloting doubtful oft, as in despite, 
Or contradicting to his deity 
And edicts right ordained ; 
For on the race of men his purpose holds 
To good, as oft appears, or else, with hand 
And favor changed, causeless his heavier judg- 
ments light, 
With no regard, as seems, of service past 
From man to him, or him to man of promise. 

Nor only upon them who disregard 
And impiously blaspheme 
His tents, and his deity despise, 
The idolatrous rout that hold his name in scorn, 
Fond, dissolute, profane, 
Visits his sovereign will inscrutable 
And fiery wrath reserved; 
But such as he of favor hath elected 
By grace his chosen, 
And peculiar people held, 



SAMSON HYBRISTES 105 

Them he alike subjects to like event, 

Though dignified by choice, 

Nor aught of difference weighs for their default, 

As might his grace beseen, 

But rather more exacts, and worse allots 

Of punishment, the more his favor given 

And grace divine vouchsafed, 

Or at the utmost brings, as in despite 

Of what himself decreed, 

Just and unjust alike to evil end. 

Which oft confusion works, and brings to fear 
The pondering heart, that ventures not beyond 
The present state of good or ill bestowed, 
But yields, assailed by doubt, unmindful thus 
Of former mercies past, and faints, depressed 

With sense of Heaven's desertion. 
Thus fond is mortal man 
Fallen upon ire divine, 
As on himself his ruin to invoke, 
So smitten with folly dire, 
Insensate strook, or to sense left depraved, 
And with vision internal blind, 
When God upon his head, 
Surprised, distract, amazed, 
Reft of defense, 

Executes his high errand of destruction. 
But who repents, and after pardon seeks, 
His eye is gracious to admit ; 
His ear is ever open to the suppliant. 

So let not thus his wrath consume his people, 
Though drawn to paths of ill, 
And strook with ire divine ; 
Rather regard their toils calamitous, 
The merited punishment of sins, 
And turn to pitying truth. 

But soft ; for yonder to our wish 
Samson behold ! 



106 SAMSON HYBRISTES 

As yet, is every way unfit 

Our purposed intent to inform him. 

Samson. I come not, elders, though ye might 

suppose, 
As overpowered by fear, nor though it seem, 
Superior force constraining, but that I own 
Your reverend sway, and yield thereto respect, 
As meet. So now your purpose with me say. 
Cho. Whence earnest thou hither, and from 

what feats performed? 
For in thy efforts to provoke our foes, 
The Philistines, thou never wast remiss, 
As many a slain thou slewest them witness bears 

thee ; 
And often have I heard thy mighty acts, 
But never true relation, and distinct. 

Sams. After the slaughter of the uncircum- 

cised, 
I to the rock of Etham safe retired ; 
Not that I feared what harm the event might draw, 
But meditated by what force or guile 
Still more to infest our enemies. Meanwhile these, 
Your men of arms and officers dispatched, 
Drew nigh, relating brief your ordered will 
Imposed, to have me bound into your presence. 
And, though with wonder seized what sudden 

cause 
Hath moved so violent haste, hither behold 
Me come, not fearing what the event might gain 
From strict refusal to your offered will, 
But that I would no wrong or injury 
Done in despite, or from the wanton heat 
Of youth, offered against your reverend office, 
Where honor only and regard pertains. 
With this persuasion, then, and chiefly assured 
By what your pledge secures and faith express, 
Yourselves will not exact a penal forfeit, 



SAMSON HYBRISTES 107 

The willinger I came, though yet unknown 
What cause or what intent hath thus occasioned ; 
Which yet informs me not my purpose here. 
Cho. Was there no other cause to offend our 

foes, 
No further act, that by occasion hence 
Might wrench the temper of the uncircumcised ? 

Sams. Such hesitation shown to manifest 
Your purpose with me well might question raise 
Whether ye hide some further intent or not, 
Importing more than on the face appears. 
But whether thus it be or no, let pass ; 
For ye are gone in age, that old respect 
Is due, alloted unto years of wont. 
Ye knew that I had chosen to wife — by then 
Arrived the prime of marriageable love — 
The daughter of a Timnian infidel ; 
Yet me she pleased, my parents not. But now, 
In time of harvest parted hence and passed 
To Timna, I found my faithless bride refused, 
Spouse to another. Hence that I might be 
Blameless more than the Philistines, though to 

them 
Done a displeasure, thrice a hundred foxes 
I caught, with sportive aid on mischief bent, 
Yoking them two and two with fast-fixed brand, 
In circle ranged, touched with the nimble flame. 
Then ye might see the dry, flame-amorous corn 
Seized by the ruffian fire, and, violate 
Both shock and standing corn — nor less the vines 
Amid the olives grown — adulteress play, 
Cheating the uncircumcised who eared the field ; 
That Timna, disappointed of her wine, 
Would fare the Nazarite that season, needs, 
The uncircumcised be, as the circumcised, 
Despoiled. Yet so a dire revenge they found, 
Unwarranted, unworthy, unproportionate, 



108 SAMSON HYBRISTES 

And out of all regard to the offense. 
For when they knew their careful tillage wasted 
Wantonly, as might seem, and unprovoked, 
Either to clear their guilt from deemed connival 
In nuptial bands thus loosely disallied, 
Or else to strike dismay into their foe. 
Who by his prowest acts had wrought their harm, 
Father and daughter both they burned with fire. 
Cho. But doubtless in requital for such deed 
Thou hast found some fearful way to thy revenge. 
Sams. I paid my underminers in their own 
coin, 
Be sure, as this relation witness bears. 
When next I came, and knew the shameful deed 
Done in despite and out of wished revenge. 
On her, my love so late and dear delight, 
For my requital, sudden anger seized 
Me as a tempest, that, in my phrenzied wrath, 
Uncased in brass, naked my limbs of steel. 
Right on I drove, smiting them hip and thigh, 
Who had done the deed, with slaughter — as who 

would else 
Than be avenged on such vindicative hate ? 
But now, after relation heard of deeds 
Done on the foreskinned race singly by me. 
Set forth your plain intent that brings me hither. 
Cho. Why hast thou, Samson, broke the bounds 
prescribed 
By laws of God, in that presumptuous choice 
Of thine, that chose among the foreskinned race, 
Slackening thy strictest vow of purity 
To yoke in wedlock with the uncircumcised ? 
Was never there a woman of the daughters 
From out thy own tribe found, or all our na- 
tion, 
That thou shouldst make thy wedlock mate among 
The uncircumcised Philistines, our dread foes? 



SAMSON HYBRISTES 109 

Whereby great scandal unto God thou hast 

brought, 
And to his people diffidence and doubt, 
Though given_enough before from the true God 
To waver and fall off, with idols joined. 

Sams. Against the Philistines, our country's 

foes, 
I sought occasion to our deliverance ; 
Therefore I urged the marriage on, that I 
Might Israel from Philistian yoke redeem, 
The task to which I was divinely set. 
True is, some amorous remorse I felt 
For the perverse event ; and this I yield, 
The act had outcome other than my thought. 
Cho. Was this, then, all thy care, the pains of 

love 
Disprized, and naught for wrath of justice 

roused ? 
So far presumptuous pride or lust had borne thee 
Against our canon straitlv that forbade 
Conjunction joined with the uncircumcised — 
Which how hast thou obeyed ? Of alien stock 
Was sprung the woman thou hast known thy 

wife — 
Would that thou never hadst, too late, alas ! — 
Even she of Timna, whom thy roving choice, 
Impetuous, unbridled, uncontroled ; 
Settled upon. Prince cause indeed hast thou, 
Or hadst, to love who in her nuptial height 
Of love professed — proof of no love in her ! — 
Thy riddle given betrayed. Thy facile heart, 
Ease-amorous, unweeting, stood no siege, 
Or but so much still more as draws assault, 
And, like a fearful fortress, not one stroke 
Strenuous opposed, yielded the garrison, 
The secret of the riddle thou hadst set, 
That she conveyed, with hasty impudence, 



no SAMSON HYBRISTES 

To the fair-spoken paranymph, who usurped 
Thy bed — fit guerdon to thy folly ! Yet 
Even thus, even when the facile key displayed 
Evidenced the betrayal, and her smile, 
Mingled with other half but hidden, flouted 
Thy shame, against her blazed not thy slavish an- 
ger, 
But thou, by mastering terror quite o'ercome, 
To such effect repliedst as showed thy mind 
Craven and unapt, unfit for highest things. 
And after, thou stealth-gone to Ascalon, 
Thy jeer-stung heart, to gain the forfeit gaged, 
Mustered its might on thirty men unarmed, 
Who ne'er to thee had offered harm ; yet thou, 
Against our fact of peace expressly, slew'st them, 
Then, like a robber, stripped'st and spoiled'st their 

robes. 
In such rash toils and ill-considered snares 
Hath love, or rather lust, entangled thee, 
Not love, as from thy words infers. For how 
Could love, that only seeks her object's good, 
Impel thee to thy dearest enemy, 
Who sought thy capital secret to thy hurt? 

Sams. Sharply have ye insisted on my sin, 
Elders, falsely as ye assert, it seems. 
Not wantoness it was, nor fond desire 
Drew me, with purpose unabashed, wherein 
Our law forbade approving to transgress. 
Far other cause it was, other design ; 
I have done what I have done, motioned of God ; 
This plea the deeds themselves valid applaud ; 
Wherein if I be shown to have done amiss, 
Thus contrary to our laws and laws of God, 
Have all your will ; ye see it in your hand. 

Cho. What folly passed thy lip, Samson per- 
verse ! 
Thy plea the deeds themselves condemn unjust, 



SAMSON HYBRISTES in 

Invalid, false, to partial error swerving; 
This their event approves, and plain enough, 
Which when thou seest, I wonder whence thou 

hast found 
Presumption thus to hide thy sin ; for sin 
It still appears, though even of thy hand done. 
Sams. With ignorance hast thou spoken. The 

due act 
Draws not approval from the event, as good 
Or bad ; the prompting motive this affirms. 
Else might the act of ill intent, o'er-ruled 
By arbitrament divine and of result 
Thence fair, assert itself above the good 
That finds perverse event through chance not 

seen. 
But that plea urged to extenuate my deeds 
The deeds themselves partial condemn, unjust ! 
I was to do my part from Heaven proposed, 
Not question consequence ; here if I erred, 
The error was not mine, but his who sent me. 
Cho. O argument presumptuous, fond, and 

proud ! 
Error is not attributable to God, 
As thou blasphemest, so to cloak thy sin ; 
Though oft, with specious plea of God's will done, 
Do men, erring from right, approve their path. 
Which way thy sin hath led thee ; first, thy love 
Settled upon choice forbidden ; then, insolence 
Hath borne thee on to insult who bear the rule ; 
Last, with a God blasphemed thou hast closed the 

tale. 
Know, in a word, all this of woman sprung. 
For diverse as her various outward show 
Affects her influence o'er her wedlock choice ; 
And oft, by fair idolatresses ensnared, 
As thine, are men's uxurious hearts beguiled 
From truth and purity and good and God ; 



ii2 SAMSON HYBRISTES 

In part they effect the ruin of their lives, 
Haply they make not shipwrack of the whole. 

Sams. If, then, to you thus reprehensible 
My deeds appear, thus gone from right and good, 
Though in the highest intent on my part done, 
Forbear to mix yourselves with my concerns. 
Henceforth, as I shall hence from yours forbear. 

Cho. Wise, who of old affirmed 
Him Heaven-favored that hath found 
A virtuous wife, who joins, 
Her honor chief, domestic praise. 

Hence, in thy proper kind 
And order, choose thy mate; 
Beyond thy walk in life restrain thy step, 
Uplift no amorous eye — 
Rather, lower not — 

To her, whose outward shape though fair, 
Informed with beauty, and adorned 
With comeliness, 
Nathless the inward show, 
Ugly with spotted sin, taints like the snake ; 
Never will she list to good, 
However musicaly the charmer breathe. 

For, howsoever found, with thus fond, 
Empty of real goodness, real worth, 
Adverse to virtue, 
Stubborn, shameless, loud 
And turbulent, thus given 
Little or none to household good, 
Wherein consist 

Woman's chief honor and domestic praise, 
But knowing well, 

With trolling tongue and wanton roving eye, 
Joined with asking look and act, 
To tempt the weak unwary 
To dalliance, or to worse dishonoring, 
Of whom shame is ashamed — 



SAMSON HYBRISTES 113 

With such a pilot at the helm embarked, 
What voyage but would needs in ruin end ? 

But whom desire and reason alike approves, 
Veiled with virginity, demure and meek, 
To God and good submiss, 
Yet chastely wroth, if amorous play 
Attempt, or overt act, 
With license to offend her maiden awe, 
Her wed, and to her cleave 
Through all the hazards incident to life, 
Unwavering, unswerving, unseduced. 

But who is this ? What form draws hither fast, 
As when a timorous doe, 
Whose curious fawn had slipped her slumbering 

side 
To stray the perilous wild, 
O'er wooded hill and moory dale 
Begins her roam, seeking her wandered young? 
And now, at nearer view, may seem 
Some Ebrew matron, and perhaps thy mother ; 
Her face distressed and dark, she steers to us. 

Sams. Ay, with what other eyes must she me 
now 
Behold, unseemly sight, in bonds abused ! 

Mother. From Zorah and the vale of Eshtaol 
Desire to see thy face and learn thy state — 
Maternal love o'er woman's anxious fears 
Prevailing, since fame also found me out 
With tidings of what lately had befallen thee — 
Hath led me, Samson, by a various path, 
For still report, erring, my steps beguiled, 
Whither I find thee now. But why these bonds ? 

Sams. Ask otherwhere, or question else in- 
quire, 
If thou wouldst answer gain ; of these perhaps 
Thou mayst, on their occasion since I came. 



ii4 SAMSON HYBRISTES 

Cho. Pretends that plea till now of ignorance 

feigned, 
Counterfeit innocence, smooth hypocrisy? 
But feign no more ; for thou, be sure, shalt learn 
Thy fault adjudged thee plain. Know sin, and 

sin 
By thee confessed, thy doom severe hath drawn. 
For now those robes are like to cost thee dearer 
Than the estimation on the purchase set, 
As this, the rigid score, approves. Dispatch 
Hastened a message late to have thee bound. 
And given into the hand of our dread lords 
To do as likes their utmost will. The worst 
At once were best known ever; hence without 
Swerving equivocation have I spoke. 

Mother. Alas, both for the day and for the 

deed, 
Son, that bereaves me thee ! Ah wherefore, thus 
Violating the law, didst thou espouse 
The daughter of an infidel, against 
Both then thy father's wish and mine express, 
Whereby this loss of life to thee thou hast 

wrought 
To us of thee ? But let me pardon obtain, 
Idly upbraiding thus, the woman's way. 
Half of her sorrows woman would avert, 
Could she withhold the word she knew unwise, 
No, resolved not to utter. But anguish then 
Enforced me losing thee, anguish the more 
As thou art sole my child. Silence henceforth 
Must be my portion, woman's wonted lot. 

Sams. Was this that solemn pledge and vow 

engaged, 
With glozing words and baited lies to draw me 
Into assassination's wily snare, 
So to requite, with treacherous guile, the faith 
In you adjudged by acquiescence shown 



SAMSON HYBRISTES 115 

To your commands, though void and reasonless ? 
Henceforth let none, kindled with kindly zeal 
Through hard assays toil for the general good, 
Hoping therefrom even gratitude, the spur 
That raises generous minds to noblest acts ; 
For him his envious fellows will suspect, 
Despise, mistrust, cavil, reproach, contemn ; 
And, if he aught remarkably begin, 
They to their power will thwart or straight de- 
sert, 
Heaping contumely on kindliest deeds. 

Cho. That we are false, thou sayest, urgest on 
us 
That specious plea, ingratitude, betrayal, 
Yet, if thou seek, well shalt thou find, that first 
Thou led'st the way, thou led'st the example give ; 
Ere we to thee, thou to thyself wast false 
And God. For hadst thou not with slackened 

vow, 
Yoked alien wedlock, which our statutes ban, 
And treasonable league with our oppressors, 
Permitting, in thy unbridled insolence, 
Unreined desires and passions governless, 
Catching the rule, reduce to servitude 
Reason, in thee therefrom obscured, were now 
No strict compulsion fallen on thee or us, 
For which or we or thou must satisfy. 

Sams. Yet better to be vile esteemed than vile. 
For wherein have I sin ? Can open slaughter 
Of those oppressors be as treason construed, 
Or treasonable league? Still I affirm, 
The marriage that ye censure, as before 
Affirmed, was prompted by impulse divine. 
The end thereof though sorrow, as I own. 
Proves not my sin nor disapproves my plea. 
Wherefore, then, have I blame, or why are 
deemed 



n6 SAMSON HYBRISTES 

As contrary to our laws and laws of God 
My acts, which ye contemn, but I approve 
The gifts of God, and mean to learn, before 
My plea I yield, the fault I am charged to have 

done? 
Cho. Thou knowest the uncircumcised our 

lords, 
That bonds of civil duty thee constrained 
To observe the fact of peace and amity 
Mutual that subsists. Our plight undone 
Thou seest, and seest into how evil case 
Our state is come, not through our motioned act, 
But thine ; thy deeds our peril have induced, 
Thy doom should free, or else a common foe 
Lie under judgment, slain without stain of crime 
By whatsoever hand. And plead'st thou still 
Divine impulsion prompting thee to acts 
Whose ends were given of God ? Know then, as 

thou 
Wouldst know, were thine true plea, the gifts of 

God 
Are good and perfect, not, as graces feigned, 
Desirable, but, given with solemn hand, 
Drawing a sting. Hadst thou of God been 

prompted, 
Thy odious pretense, but now soon discerned, 
Be sure thy acts other results had brought 
Answering. Only the good can give good gifts ; 
Since, be the giver so, the gift is good 
Perforce ; and contrariwise the ill desires, 
For evil springs whence but from evil source ? 
Sams. The uncircumcised our lords I knew, 

thou sayest, 
And knew that civil duty me constrained 
To observe obedience owed to those who have 
Our nation in their civil power. The force 
It was of subjugation. Force o'er force 



SAMSON HYBRISTES 117 

Prevails but where the conqueror can. If ye, 
Deservedly enthralled your outward freedom, 
The inward lost, liberty would regain, 
Ye ought not thus deliverance sent refuse, 
But second rather those my high attempts 
To break the yoke under which now ye chafe ; 
Which to throw off, your minds ye must erect 
To nobler counsels, raise to higher thoughts, 
Knowing that none, of inward servitude 
Enthralled and yoked, can outward violence free. 
But, those great acts, which God by me hath 

wrought 
Upon your conquerors, acknowledged not, 
Nor aught considered, if your servile minds 
Me, your deliverance given, will not accept, 
Ye are not capable ye should possess 
Freedom, thus nicely or thus cautiously 
Rejected, but deservedly will serve. 

Cho. O folly and shame ! What government 
have we, 
What state, wherein those who are set to rule 
If one, a private, may o'erbear, impune, 
Rebellion raise, and levy single war — 
Thou most, whose acts perverse have thus pro- 
voked 
Our peril, and whose deeds our doom have 

drawn ? ? 
Us, set of God and in his stead, if thou 
Dishonor, whom hast thou dishonored, whom 
Despised, but God? Whose wrathful jealousy 
Thine unrepentant sin shall ne'er forgive, 
But visit soon with punishment condign. 
Thus if thou thinkest to deceive, or draw 
Aside from right with hollow argument, 
Or specious show of zeal for public good, 
The common theme of those who value least, 
Widely thou errest, and wanderest from the truth, 



n8 SAMSON HYBRISTES 

Sams. Our government thou knowest, when 
thou hast known 
That state, wherein what serves his purpose best 
Each works, not far to learn. But, to the main, 
Had what I motioned been averse to God, 
Though contrary to our laws and his ordained, 
Why was it then permitted ? Just cause he had 
To enmity, and had not wanted means 
To set his people free. Had this act, then, 
Unlawful thus been held, adjudged to stain 
My vow of Nazarite, he had not so 
Have prompted me, permitted, to an act 
Against our law declared, unchaste, unclean ; 
Rather his swiftest vengeance had pronounced 
In certain tones his anger and my doom, 

Cho. That God permitted, thou sayest, mo- 
tioned thee toward, 
Against that strictest vow of purity, 
This act, of freedom for his people wrought 
Plead'st divine purpose high. Fair argument! 
Reason how sound approved ! Could not his 

strength, 
Of right adjudged almighty, other means 
Have wrought, invented other arts to this, 
Not contradictory thus to his edicts found, 
Thus to his deity? This caption, then, 
Explodes thy plea, and reads thee false or fond. 
The trial of thy fortitude it was, 
To prove thy faith and firm obedience owed 
In recompense for the high gift of God, 
Not license to a gross, forbidden sin. 
But grant thee so ; stands in no stead for thee 
That now he hastens not, his patient wrath 
Precipitates not thy augmented doom ; 
Omittance is not quittance. Doubtless he 
Out of thine evil still can bring forth good ; 
But should he so, it argues not thy acts 



SAMSON HYBRISTES 119 

Approved divinely, or quits thee of unclean. 
If thus be held, all who contemn his law, 
Challenge his providence, reject his good, 
Crimes which thou knowest to the height held im- 
pious, 
And worthy not to escape adjudged, yet so 
In naught unchaste, vile, reprehensible. 
Of such malfeasants thou art in the list. 
Wherefore thou oughtest free thy forfeit pledged 
To us, and yield thyself to have our will ; 
Knowing that, when the public lies exposed 
To danger, one for many should redeem. 
Which, wert thou innocent, would still prevail ; 
How much more, when thy fault stands plain ad- 
judged. 
For that thy blind, unbridled lust impeled thee, 
And not zeal for thy God, by this appears, 
That in extenuation of thy act 
Thou urgedst plea of prompting from above 
To seek in marriage that perfidious bride, 
A Canaanite, thy country's enemy, 
Yet first love for the woman thou hadst avowed. 
And further, since thou movest more that plea 
Prompted of God to do his will, then learn 
He only is elect to do God's will 
Who does it ; other choice or voice is none 
Divine or human. Witness thy own instance. 

Sains. Are ye not they who, solemnly elect 
Of God, his law having impiously transgressed 
And fallen to idols foul, by him are sold 
To servitude as foul and bondage vile? 
Which I, your great deliverer, when sent 
To rescue Israel from Philistian yoke, 
Having in some part ransomed with high acts — 
Yet now am judged a public enemy, 
Outcast from law, contemned an alien, deemed 



120 SAMSON HYBRISTES 

As worthy death; though what chance now ye 

bear 
Falls, not from mine, but your incestuous acts, 
Adulteries, murders, blasphemies, and lies, 
With prayers to Adon, Baal, and Ashtaroth, — 
The gods adored of Israel's heathen foes, 
Whose might availed not yet to stay their fall — 
And impious bowings down to stock and stone, 
Dispisings of God's law and sanctuary, 
The habitation of his holiness 
In Shiloh where he shines ; therefore ye sunk 
Bowed down beneath their despicable spear 
In battle, when ye strove. Still Israel serves, 
(O shameful servitude), with all his sons, 
Cease, then, so strict insistence on my sin 
Thus called, nor foist my fault over your own. 
Cho. Then, when, thou standest pure, our sin 

arraign ; 
It suits not now. For, while vain speech thou 

handiest 
Of boasted purity and feigned innocence, 
Peril impeled by thy own hand the state 
Threatens with harm, which thine is to remove. 
Nor is the law unjust that so ordains. 
If aught against the pact, as plainly appears, 
Unwarranted of us thou hast done, self-moved, 
Then hast thou violated, in thy deed, 
The law of nations, which, affronted thus, 
Thou oughtest yield thyself to satisfy. 
This, and not less than this, the least thou canst ; 
Whate'er and whence thy might, thou canst not 

more. 
Nor still upon us pretend thy sin, nor charge 
Weakly, by this to shift thy proper blame. 
Thou to no purpose cloakest sin with sin ; 
Thy vain erasions but uncover more. 



SAMSON HYBRISTES 121 

Sams. I have done what I have done, motioned 

of God, 
Under whose eye mine innocence I maintain, 
Wherein I say, as first, these hands are clean ; 
And hence ye nothing hold me herein found 
Free and accountable to none but God. 

Cho. Mortal, and made of mortal flesh, dost 

thou 
Dispute the points of purity with him 
In whose pure sight no mortal flesh is pure? 
And comest thou with such an one to judgment, 
And plead'st thou purity in whose pure sight 
His holy heavens are contemned unclean ? 
Then shall frail, sinful flesh assert itself 
Above the solemn edicts which of old 
Obtained with God? Hence, while in time thou 

mayest, 
Hasten repentance toward that God incensed 
Justly, knowing of surety this thy sin 
Shall never, unrepentant, pardon find. 
For thee necessity nor God compeled 
Unto thy act, nor any man enforced, 
Since force upon free will can have no place, 
Else no free will. Hence, that which thou hast 

done, 
Freely thou didst it ; force or fear none was. 
Free in thy power it lay, since free thy will, 
Obedience or revolt ; but, that now passed, 
In other hands the sequel lies, beyond 
Thy choice. Hence, be assured that, to our 

pledge, 
Ourselves will not exact a penal forfeit ; 
But for our peril, which thy acts induced, 
And for thy solemn pledge of faith engaged, 
We will deliver thee bound into their hand. 

Sams. O miserable and fond, unfaithful, weak, 
So to renounce your faith to God engaged, 



122 SAMSON HYBRISTES 

Violating your country's dearest ends ! 
And wherefore, but to gain slight respite, deemed 
Than honor more, than freedom, duty, virtue ? 
Fools, not to know that firm resistance made 
On tyrant foes obedience is to God, 
And slackened virtue rankest blasphemy ! 
Yet not unusual, among men declined 
From God so far, thus to forego their vows, 
Nor unexpected is, where ignorance 
Of such prevails, safety to set before, 
Honor behind — and yet how few prefer 
Hard freedom over easy servitude ! 
Yet still this folly may convert to wisdom. 
Will Judah now but join, or one half tribe, 
We shall this day possess the gates of Gath, 
And lord it over those we now obey. 
Let not, then, slip occasion, which now serves, 
But by your wisdom prove your worthy office. 
Cho. Samson, thou hadst no name of wise, I 

knew, 
But never thought folly would lead so far 
Thy youth astray, with solemnest advice 
Such hazard on such warrant weak to urge. 
Thou knowest the people is unnerved to war, 
Sinews unbraced, and heart by servitude 
Softened efnminately, the wont effect. 
Such then the state, madness it were, self-death, 
So to propose, much more the motioned act, 
Though thyself even, with all-puissant arm, 
Stood'st present to discharge thy chiefest aid ; 
As soon could we, or all, as thou alone, 
Boaster, who doubtless thence wert furthest 

found. 
Sams. My acts then of my faith were best the 

warrant, 
Which of its surety present witness vouches, 
For, will ye but release me from my pledge 



SAMSON HYBRISTES 123 

Assured, myself with unassisted might, 
Which I withhold not, now occasion serves, 
Engage this arm to wrest in sole attempt, 
And ye at home, whole and unhazarded, 
Not life alone, but freedom general, 
So on your part ye dare the hazard set. 

Cho. Think not thy strength entire, as when 
thou stood'st, 
Impenetrably armed of innocence ; 
Thy prowess then, when thou no more wast pure, 
Departed thee, and now thy might but none 
Thou knowest, disallied and drawn from good ; 
Wicked therefrom and weak, though clad thou 

stood'st 
And locked in mail proofer than adamant. 

Sams. This mighty strength, given at my birth, 
abides 
Diffused through joint and limb, while I preserve 
My vow inviolate, these locks unshorn. 

Cho. For not in mighty bone or massy flesh, 
Though oft so deemed, vigor resides alone, 
Nor those robustious locks clustering thy head ; 
But rather dwells with virtue, her ally 
Divine, and the Spirit of the Lord of Hosts. 
Full soon thy attempt this lesson must enforce, 
How weak, how vain thy might divorced of these ; 
And we, too fondly on thy force relying, 
Destroyed in thy destruction should be found, 
Such an ambitious heat thy heart hath fired ! 
This knowing, wherefore further urge thy plea, 
Or scheme proposals worthiest of naught ? 

Sams. Then take upon yourselves to satisfy 
The penalty imposed. I will not do it, 

Cho. Wilt thou, then, leave us answerable to 
those ills 
Thy deeds on us induced, so to requite 
Favor vouchsafed, protection to thy tribe ? 



124 SAMSON HYBRISTES 

Besides what act more impiously unclean, 

More than thy former, sum of unchastity, 

So to betray and basely to desert 

Thy nation's utmost need, us, and thy God ? 

Be not thus impious, Samson, but consider 

This act the glorious ending of thy toil, 

Self-conquest, as than whom none mightier 

known, 
So much the more the conquest glorious deem. 

Sams. But led in chains captived, or tamed by 
cold 
And hunger, wherein could I serve my work 
From Heaven imposed, to set my people free ? 
For this did the angel twice appear, for this 
Declare my wondrous birth and wondrous life 
Of God alloted ? And shall I frustrate thus 
His divine gift of strength, favor vouchsafed 
Thus recompensing? Rather let me strive, 
While strength lives in these limbs, against my 

foes, 
That this miraculous might be not for naught, 
Nor God's high gift be given to purpose vain. 

Cho. Consider, Samson, matters now are come 
Into evil case. What better couldst thou serve 
Thy mission, if thy mission thus thou hast, 
Whereof thy wondrous might avouches much, 
Than by thy mind and act to satisfy, 
Freely as thy offense, thy fault adjudged thee, 
Working deliverance thy nation, plea 
Now held, and making thence thy glorious name ? 
Hence not of vain revenge, or vulgar spite, 
But for our peril, which thy acts induced, 
And for thy solemn pledge of faith engaged, 
We will deliver thee bound into their hand, 

Mother. Is this the end, then, of my prayers 
and vows, 
My fond maternal fears ? Yet yield thee, son, 



SAMSON HYBRISTES 125 

For thus may be what offered means who knows 
But God hath given before thee to set free 
His people, as the oracle affirmed? 

Cho. What may this mean — the oracle thou 
sayest ? 
Tell us the tale ; thou seest we thirst to hear. 

Mother. An angel told his wondrous birth di- 
vine 
From God, which, after days accomplished, came. 
This to be truth his might miraculous vouches, 

Cho. But set the tale at length with circum- 
stance, 
Wherein conviction, if not truth, resides. 

Mother. Then hear me, though in much amaze- 
ment stands 
My mind, that such as ye should know it not, 
A marvel so unwonted, so miraculous, 
Divine ; though other had I deemed the end 
Than thus, inglorious, infamous, contrary 
To those high hopes prefered. I prayed a son, 
Holding a barren wedlock a reproach ; 
I bore a son, that all esteemed me happy. 
Who envies now my lot as fortunate? 
Was my request too fond, or self too much 
Inmixed, that God devised this punishment 
Upon my sin doubting his ways not just? 
Yet not as thus announced ; for to me gone 
Into the field, there as by wont retired 
To solitude and prayer for children, then 
Childless and barren, as I sat reposed 
Apart, the messenger of God appeared, 
Who first to me revealed, next to my husband, 
To whom a second vision was vouchsafed, 
The divine mystery high, that from our loins 
Should spring him who should set his people free ; 
Then, to assure the message high imparted, 
Ascended all in flames from off the altar 



126 SAMSON HYBRISTES 

Whereon an offering burned, after fortelling 
Conception sure of him who was destined 
To free his country from her enemies. 
And so, when due time was and all fulfilled, 
I bore a son, whose name bestowed foretold 
His mission, that he should with might set free 
His people — since the angel so affirmed 
At least, though now the event puts much in 

doubt. 
Cho. A marvelous tale, indeed, from which 

thy faith 
On hopes well-founded seemed, nor less to us 
Agreeably conceived; yet now perverse 
Through his default, and void of reason found. 
Mother. It had been my delight to view his 

home 
With offspring filled, whose childish laughter 

sweet, 
Choicer to mother's ear than soothest pipe 
Of stop, should charm the parent heart and mine ; 
My husband, also, crowned with age serene, 
Had summoned complete our circled household 

hearth. 
Ay me! 

Never must thou call any woman wife, 
Son, nor must I, with second mother love, 
Dandle thy babes upon my knees, nor clap 
Their cheeks, with fondest care pore every part, 
Eyes, ears, and nose, and mouth, and hands, and 

feet, 
If mother's touch, or father's, more survive ; 
But separate in age, alone, unloved — 
This then must be my lot, it seems, deserted 
And solitary ; since of thee bereft, 
Whom have I? Kindred, kindly friends, and 

home 
No more to me remain, thou then no more. 



SAMSON HYBRISTES 127 

Alas, how other seemed it late, when I 

Stood cheered by all that hope or comfort 

showed ! 
But now one sorrow by another sits, 
And all the doleful sisterhood of grief 
Surrounds me, from the light of hope cut off. 
Ah, with what other thoughts must I go hence 
Than those in which I came ! Thus with each 

morn 
Light shall return, but ne'er to me return 
Peace, or glad thoughts, or thy fond eyes to mine. 

Cho. Give not to utter sorrow, but consider 
Kindred thou hast yet, kindly friends remain, 
And where thy husband is think there thy home. 
Mother. Shall I, then, thus esteem thy loss as 

naught, 
Or valued slight, and absence soon restored, 
By other charities of life supplied, 
Relations dear of husband, friend, or home ? 
Bone of my bone, flesh of my flesh thou art, 
Life of my life, by sad experience dear 
As well I know. For not with wonted pangs 
And throes of travail felt I thee to light, 
Fruit of my body, bore ; but griping pains 
And tortures more than death were mid-wife to 

me. 
Yet words avail me nothing now, nor tears. 
Ay me ! my members fail, and eyes, that thus 
Wilh swift oppression seized, I can no more. 
Cho. Let some convey her hence, and tend her 

care, 
As fits the need, with nursing diligence 
Bestowed, that nothing seemly lack, becoming 
Of wont a matron's honorable state. 

Sams. Alas, those lofty hopes divine, 
To have set free 
Israel wrested from Philistian yoke ! 



128 SAMSON HYBRISTES 

Was it for this that word descended, 

Twice by an angel told 

Who rode in flames up from the burning altar, 

After conception assured, 

With nurture holy ordained, and solemn care 

Enjoined, as of a plant 

Select and dedicated? 

Why was my heart from earliest years inflamed 
To high, heroic deeds, 
Magnanimous fortitude, 
If now, alas forsaken, betrayed, 
And by my faithless nation, 
As by an alien foe, 
All aidless given, I must pay on 
My hapless penalty imposed ? 
Unseemly recompense to most men deemed, 
But doubly to the champion endued 
With the high gift of God. 

Who now will credence yield 
Unto our holy oracles, that foretold 
Miraculous birth, to me vouchsafed, 
And wondrous strength sufficient 
To set my people free, 
That solemn task divine 
Gloriously entrusted from above? 
Alas, whom God's high choice hath once elected 
Chiefest in his regard, not vilely thus 
He should desert, as never known, 
And sell to servitude, 
Be it but for promise made. 
For whom God's favor hath chosen 
To some great work and glory, 
When but in part achieved 
So if he whelm and thrall, subjecting him 
To foul indignities, how stands therein 
Judgment approved, or vindicated 
Above the unjust the just? 



SAMSON HYBRISTES 129 

Since both alike come to like evil end. 

Cho. Wondrous the works of God, t 

His many marvelous ways , 

Beyond the searching out of man, 
Yet some there be who deem no God at all, 
Insensate, to their own blind thought inclining, 
Others upbraid his providence adjudged 
Partial, or to the erring 
Indulgent, judgment perverse misdeemed, 
Then cast the rein to roving doubt, 
Unmindful of his former mercies past, 
Which fills with anxious fears 
The credulous, vain heart of man. 

Yet for the trustful soul, 
Assured his gracious eye divine, 
God hath bid dwell remote all anxious cares 
That spoil the sweet of being, 
And in his service pure 

Shine golden days fulfilled with golden deeds 
Acceptable, which is the calmest life. 

Which chance had been thy chance and lot se- 
cured, 
Samson, in wondrous might 
The miracle of men, 

With added favor joined of freedom wrought, 
And heavy yoke bereft 
From off thy people, 
Now in vilest bondage found, 
Had not thy pride and weak ambition ruled, 
When thou with impious foot didst pass 
The sacred bounds ordained 
Which God of old had set to right, 
Forgetful of thy task in part achieved, 
The close of all thy labors and the crown. 

Yet other lot on thee at length fallen, 
By vanity or erring pride enticed 
From that high purpose given 



i 3 o SAMSON HYBRISTES 

And trust on thee imposed, 

With ruin conjoined, that nulls those mighty 

deeds, 
The pledge and surety of thy task bestowed, 
Though late in part accomplished 
Yet now at last defeated, 
And through thy own default, 
Turning thy labors to disastrous end. 

Sams. Alas, how otherwise my life portends 
Than that it late possessed, when I in might 
All mortal men exceled, with thoughts divine, 
Magnanimous instincts, to mighty deeds 
By hopes beyond heroic thus inflamed ! 
Now shamed, dishonored, captive, and betrayed 
By my own nation, — and which now becomes 
My worst affliction — wherein can I serve 
That work imposed, to set my people free ? 
So much I feel that mighty purpose fail 
Till now that urged me on, my hopes all vain, 
My plea rejected, and myself contemned 
Alien, outcast, disglorified, disprized. 

Cho. Yet thou hadst hope to gain the govern- 
ment 
And rule thy brethren, after freedom wrought — 
Fond, and incapable of place or rule, 
Since lewdly to thy lust thou wert enthralled, 
Not seeing, in thy headlong arrogance, 
Others who fain would rule must first himself. 

Sams. What, then, prevailed my abstinence, 
not armed 
To all allurements proved however pleasing 
To appetence, though one it could resist? 
Things in our law unclean, and thence forbid, 
The surety of my vow inviolate 
And pledge of hallowed life, with like regard 
Of all deliciousness, all weak desires 
That soften and effeminate the soul, 



SAMSON HYBRISTES 131 

How held seduction sweet, my taste could spurn ; 
Yet, though my mighty strength knew no com- 
peer, 
Though force, unforced, in me her fortress held 
Impregnable, myself I could not rule ; 
Which now I rue ; for, womanly o'ercome, 
Enticed by erring vanity and pride, 
Whereon men have perhaps most often ruined, 
I, like a heedless pilot, have shipwracked 
That glorious task divine enjoined from Heaven. 
Wherefore call no man strong who rules not self, 
Though strength, informed with every motion, 

stalk 
Preeminent — weak, worthless, and despised. 

Cho. Thou mightst have made for honor and 
for good, 
Been high esteemed thy land's deliverer, famed 
In the universal mouth. Now the worse part 
Chosen thou hast, through giddy headiness 
Erring, and, virtue lost, thou losest all. 

Sams. I see the evil on which, presumptuously 
Erring, I fell. When most I felt secure, 
Lax in my strength, from the unsuspected sky 
The cloudless thunder bolts upon my head. 
Yet none the less anguish I feel and shame, 
Betrayed by my own nation and my friends, 
Who to their utmost should have seconded 
My high attempts, not striven to have undone 

them, 
Snaring my unsuspicion with my words, 
This not my least affliction and reproach. 

Cho. We knew thy force, that thou determinest 
No power but strength of body — our main hold 
Lay therefore to assay thee what thou art, 
Wherein thy true might summed, by guile or skill 
To win thee or win from thee what thou hast 



132 SAMSON HYBRISTES 

Of strength, that we might know ; as is the 

part 
Of wisdom, when force wavers, with discretion 
To conquer wherein force effected not. 
But thou of self didst come, beyond our hope, 
And we in might presumed no match of thine : 
Hence we had need what only aid remains 
To weakness, and must lack of force supply 
With cunning, or by what name else best called. 

Sams. Dishonor rightlier called, impiety — 
Since disregarded quite those mighty acts 
By God through me vouchsafed — neglect and 

scorn, 
Rancor and pride and emnity and spite, 
Or whatsoe'er be else of ill and vile, 
Not fitting virtuous hearts or generous minds 
Aiming at freedom from a hated yoke, 
But worthy most dispraise, contempt, and shame. 
Yet I to other thoughts had schooled my mind, 
Into your hand to yield myself, since ye 
Resolve me that yourselves will not exact 
A penal forfeit, so I am content. 
That I to other purpose wrought the deed 
Avails me nothing ; hence do I repent 
The error, which is now become my crime 
And your occasion, basely, as it seems. 

Cho. I see thou art not slack of virtue, false 
To what high worth within thee still remains, 
Though dim through thy default, but well re- 
solved 
Of purpose, as the unyielding center firm, 
Nor wilt revoke thy word sincere engaged, 
Though dearly to thy cost, if well discharged 
That heavy score through thy own acts incurred. 
Yet other would I choose thy end, than thus 
Disglorified, disprized, and lastly death 
Perhaps, or worse than death, inflicted on thee. 



SAMSON HYBRISTES 133 

Sams. Yet otherwise to me my lot portends ; 
For, though by you my plea contemned, despised, 
Although those mighty acts by me performed 
Attested well that mission high imposed, 
Yet I persuade me God will not reject 
As traitorously his champion, but will still 
Favor vouchsafe and strength, as times before, 
To vindicate the glory of his name, 
Whence now, if aught from presage be fore- 
warned, 
Or there be premonition in the mind, 
This day shall be remarkable, or my last. 

Cho. May God thy plea accept, his law dis- 
pense, 
For so he can, not we, and thy petition 
Prosper ; though otherwise my thoughts por- 
tend, 
The anguish of my soul, and chief affliction. 
Yet, what may some avail to raise thy mind, 
Since wisest men no more have oft aspired 
Than to the common good, by that regard 
For which our country is esteemed so dear 
Thou diest ; thus much of excellence and praise 
Attaches to thy deed. Free choice thou hadst 
To save thyself, hast chosen the better part, 
Her safety, which, be sure, gains due regard, 
The gratitude and thanks of all thy nation — 
No small mark, if at glory thou hast aimed. 
Let this appease thy mind, and thou the rather 
Accept what fate, lest heavier on thyself 
That deadlier curse, thy land's destruction, light. 
Sams. I could be well content with that award 
Which fame appoints to wait on virtuous deeds ; 
But marked with brand of treason, and the stain 
Of infamy upon my name pronounced, 
No prize esteemed, yet must by me be held 
Indifferent like ; glory and shame are one 



i 3 4 SAMSON HYBRISTES 

To men who for their country's welfare strive ; 

And like by me are held, and valued like, 

So best accomplished that great work imposed, 

For which my life bestowed, and willing offered. 

But other reasons urge, and other thoughts. 

For yonder she, of whom I drew to live, 

Now droops, anguished, and spent, and quite sunk 

down, 
With sad forebodings fraught and seized with 

tears, 
So strong the mother in her works. Wherefore 
Comfort and speak her fair ; omit no means 
That wait on woman's gentler ministeries. 
The man may draw his own strength from him- 
self, 
And of his own live to himself, secure 
Through chance in life and change ; the woman 

not, 
But in man lives her best and happiest life, 
At least his care requires and kindly aid. 

Cho. Nourish thy hopes ; nor deem us so un- 
grateful, 
So lacking in the common decencies 
Of life, which reverence to distress enjoin, 
And most in woman solitary in grief, 
As not to guard her care to extreme shift. 
Sams. With cause thy words relieve me for 
her welfare 
Fraught with forboding fears. This makes 

amends, 
Somewhat, for your ingratitude that sends me, 
Dishonored, shamed, disglorified, disprized, 
A prey to cruel foes. Thus much assured, 
More eased in mind and somewhat raised, I part. 
Cho. For now thy time arrives ; the man re- 
turns. 
Her. Elders, the Ebrew Samson here I seek. 



SAMSON HYBRISTES 135 

Cho. His fetters may inform him where he 

stands. 
Her. Samson, by this doubtless thou hast the 

cause 
Wherefore I come. Haste, therefore, and prepare 
Thy journey. Hesitatest? Come without 
Delay, or thou shall learn, and to thy cost, 
We can find means to quench thy insolence. 
Regard thyself, and school thee to consider 
Whether of self thou comest, or, from thy place 
By violence moved, trailed through your com- 
mon streets 
Like a wild beast, a gross indecency, 
And one which for thy honor best were spared. 
Sams. Thy thought and tongue at variance 

plain are set. 
Her. Prat'st thou so boldly now? Soon hast 

thou cause 
Justly to rue the insolence thou showest. 

Sams. Threaten not how thou wilt, but, as 

thou canst, 
Do now ; so fair a chance comes not in haste. 
Her. Dost thou already chafe ? I thought thee 

tamed. 
Yet ways enough under the yoke to tame 
Even thy gamesome spirit. Thou shalt groan, 
Loaden with chains, in Gaza's prison-house 
Pent in dolorous dungeon, thy comrades 
Gaunt slaves and asses, which thou shalt not see, 
Thy eyes bored out — no woman then shall set 
Those orbs agape! — disgraceful there to grind. 
And still to anger more, oft shalt thou play 
At our high festivals to make our mirth, 
Abused, maltreated, to the multitude 
A gross unpitied object gazed and scorned; 
If thou art backward to obey, the worst 
That torment can devise, scourgings and whips, 



136 SAMSON HYBRISTES 

Racks, branding fire, and cold, the extremest 

pains ; 
Last, like a labored beast thy chance-fallen car- 
cass 
Stenching the common air, to die a death 
Ignoble, unknown, unenvied, unavenged. 
Sams. No terrors have thy threats to shake my 
soul 
Armed to endure, with firmest constancy, 
The extremest ills on me thine can inflict. 
Before have I considered, and the score 
To the utmost will discharge, if God's high will 
Demand, that heavy satisfaction, death. 
But 1 persuade me God will not desert 
Thus traitorously his champion, since his task 
Yet unperformed, but strength will still vouch- 
safe 
To vindicate the glory of his name. 

Her. Reckon not on thy God. Thee he no 
more 
Considers or regards, thus to permit 
Thy kin to sieze, with all indignity, 
And yield to alien foes, his foes as thine, 
Besides, were he so minded, he could not 
Assist thee, weaker found and less of force 
Than Dagon and the gods by us adored 
With trial of combat, when, in battle joined 
For proof, your heads bowed down beneath our 

spears ; 
Not all your force sufficed, nor us subdued 
That day, though Israel's fiercest might con- 
tended 
With the utmost of his deity seconded. 
Cease then from hope, nor in thy fond expectance 
Await deliverance destined ne'er to come ; 
But rather principle thyself to bear 
Whatever chance may fall, which I assert thee 



SAMSON HYBRISTES 137 

Shall not be less than thy extremest thought. 

Sams. Were not thy coat and person by con- 
sent 
Of custom sacred, what withholds my hand 
To spare thy dastard life, and not at once 
Buffet thy structure low, or, raised, dash down 
To the hazard of thy head and ruined sides ? 
So should it soon be known, in this attest 
At least, whose god were stronger, thine or mine, 
Or thus deserted found that champion raised, 
By his high acts on thine avouched, as well 
Of thy false words the contradiction proving. 

Cho. Stir not, with vain breath of thy airy 
threats, 
The man's grim fires of wrath, already waked. 
And, Samson, hear thou us, nor in thy anger 
Give wisdom's rule to folly, as thy wont. 

Sams. Elders, farewell and peace. Though ye 
this day 
To me have shown but scant respect, dishon- 
oured 
My plea, and held in all contempt, yet now 
Only fair words and comfortable I speak. 
Whate'er may come I arm me to endure 
With constant resolution, and perhaps 
I yet shall gain my chance by you withheld ; 
For so is presage in my mind, at least. 
As for this impudent boaster, o'er-assured 
My ignominious life and shameful death, 
Whether your force be dextrous to subdue 
The power of Israel's God, to me vouchsafed 
And manifested in my wondrous might, 
Twixt thee and me the event must arbitrate. 

Cho. O miserable change thou fallest upon, 
Samson, though with might endued 
More than the sons of men ! 
So far presumption in thee wrought 



138 SAMSON HYBRISTES 

To wrest, through pride, the laws of God ; 
Yet so repentance moved may still 
Re verse the solemn edict passed 
That dooms thy meted punishment, 
Though doubt much moves my tardy mind 
If justice roused be thus appeased; 
Which yet the sure event must arbitrate. 
But who comes thus in heated haste, as far 
He fared ? an Ebrew, sure, but not of ours. 

Manoah. Elders and men of Judah, since to 
me 
Such were ye shown, behold one hither come 
Supposing here to find a son and wife — 
Since rumor thus gave out, hence then my guest 
Directed — whom my tardy presence here 
Seems not to find. Say, therefore, where to seek. 
Yet lest relation thus declare me not, 
Nor serve acquaintance, since my place not 

known, 
I am of Zorah, Manoah is my name. 
But after knowledge gained, thus clear of doubt, 
Why guard ye silence, and with asking looks 
( raze each on other, without uttered speech? 

Cho. Then learn thy son's reproach, the worst 
that ever 
Could have befallen him and his father's house, 
Because he hath broken the law of God express 
By alien wedlock, which our statutes ban, 
And by his impious acts peril on us 
Induced from our dread lords, the Philistines, 
Therefore have we, and no dispraise to us. 
Delivered him bound with bonds into their hand. 
Of what hath fallen him notice yet is none; 
But doubtless he by this hath paid his score 
And satisfied the extreme of their revenge 
In pains and penalties inflicted on him. 

Man. O miserable hope ! was this that trust 



SAMSON HYBRISTES 139 

I had conceived as fits a father's love 

And care? Why was I mocked with specious 

good, 
As of a gift bestowed desirable, 
Yet in the end discerned drawing a sting? 
Is this that just requittal of my faith 
That prayed a son, and gained, and such a son, 
Purposed by Heaven's attest to our deliverance ? 
Yet now himself deliverance most hath need, 
Incapable and vain against his foes. 
Alas, if such their import when received, 
Such gifts, it seems, were best withheld, not giv- 
en. 
But cancel now in part this grief with joy, 
Fair tidings of my wife and hope, or must 
Thou add to this hard sum another score 
Of woe more grievous still to satisfy? 

Cho. Ah, Manoah, it irks me sore to say 
The heavy tidings, which thou yet must bear ; 
Yet summon now thy most of man the worst 
Of grief to learn that e'er thy ear shall strike. 
Thy wife, when she had known the sad relation. 
Which thou but late hast learned, quite spent 

through grief, 
Sunk down with sense distraught, whence some 

have borne her 
Unto a house hard by, where still she lies ; 
Her state, or life or death, I cannot say. 
Yet never shroud in silence thus thy face 
With mantled robe, but give thy grief to speech, 
Lest with too rude irruption burst thy heart. 
Man. Ay me, the worst! God's favor thus 
withdrawn 
And face, how shall I fear to pass my days ? 
Why should I longer live, since life prolonged 
Insures but' added grief and more remorse? 
Death now inherits all my hopes conceived 



140 SAMSON HYBRISTES 

Of barren joy and fond expectancj . 

Vain all and fruitless; wherefore let him now 

Seize on me also, since desire is gone 

Of life bereft and solitary thus. 
Yet I would be resolved the worst ; for still 
The half woo lies in the uncertainty. 
Though of my son can tidings be hut ill, 
Hope still would hope, and faith would fain be- 
lieve. 
But let me hence, and learn what chance attends 
My wife, in strait distress by your report. 
Trie man, where dangers or dishonors press, 
Nobliest and needliesl by the woman stays. 
And from or with her guards or shares the worst. 

Cho. Hold, for 1 hither speeding to thy wish 
Discern who may report thy son with news. 
Ebrezu Messenger. O miserable sight these eyes 
beheld, 
And still behold, and miserable to hear 
The ruinous noise that yet peals on my ears ! 
So lively still imagination shows, 
And fancy, the dread horror late I passed, 
But accident, or instinct, or some chance, 
Seems to have led me hither back again 
To you, my countrymen, though how scarce 

known, 
Who doubtless also heard, the noise so dire. 
Cho. Nothing we heard, except thy rueful out- 
cry, 
From whose loud tumult comes no perfect wit- 
ness 
Of what remarkably hath late been done ; 
Though from thy aspect thus much we infer, 
That aught unusual hath happened late, 
Which we must gain of thee, if still we learn. 
Ebrew Mes. If I shall truly say what late I 
saw, 



SAMSON HYBRISTES 141 

Doubtful report will contradict belief. 

Cho. Set forth thy news at once, whatever 
known. 
No hesitation needs ; belief will weigh 
Thy tidings, after due relation heard. 

Ebrew Mes. Which thus far ask report, though 
hard to think, 
That all the host of Philistines is fallen. 

Cho. Fallen, and by whom? Since never of 
themselves 
Fell such a host, nor yet by all our force. 

Ebrew Mes. Then learn, though little credence 
gain and faith, 
At Samson's mighty hand they met their doom. 

Cho. Little indeed, since late these eyes beheld 
His bonds of death. Yet still, if truth thou sayst, 
Proceed, relate the fact how it befell. 

Ebrew Mes. Know, therefore, when our cham- 
pion parted hence 
By order of our lords to satisfy 
For us and our awarded forfeiture 
Redeem, that I obscurely fared aloof, 
Not, though in danger, thus to be detered 
That I might know the end of this sad day. 
But not far ; for, with earliest glimpse of dawn 
Removed his camp, the Philistine had bent 
With hastened expedition through the bounds 
To Judah portioned, weening to overpower 
Our faint surprise ; and, with hot haste disdain- 
ing 
Order and rank, his gross adventurous bands 
Now with high noon drew to our city nigh. 
And soon, near in the south, first met our view 
A fierce array of aspect battailous, 
The banded powers of Caphtor hastening on, 
Both horse and foot, archers and slingers, spears, 
The choice and flower of their chivalry 



142 SAMSON HYBRISTES 

Met from all parts to this great task, who straight 
Assembled stood at sight of their grand foe 
Bound, and so tame, delivered into their hand ; 
Whom when they saw, they raised a mighty shout 
Against him, as when thunder speaks from Heav- 
en. 
Roused by the sound, Samson upheaved his head 
With eyes uplift, as one who prayed, till then 
Upon the ground fast-fixed, as in despair, 
Or meditating some great purpose high. 
And ere he scarce had raised them, when behold, 
The Spirit of God fell on him, and each orb 
Shot fire, as lightning glares from justling clouds, 
That withered all their strength and vigor 

drained. 
Then from those mighty arms the binding cords 
Parted, as touched with flame. On their whole 

host 
He drove, with trivial weapon armed, the jaw 
Of a dead ass, which, in that glorious hand 
Fallen swift with tempest on his enemies, 
Slew largely of their chief and choicest youth. 
Chill horror froze their spirits ; down idly drop- 
ped 
Their weapons, vain resistance were they raised ; 
He, over helmed heads and dead prostrate 
Fierce rushing, without let or hindrance slew, 
None daring opposition, all amaze, 
Such mighty execution wrought, and fear, 
The sword and wrath of Samson on his foes 
Strook with dismay, despaired, spiritless, fallen. 
So ranged our mighty champion through their 

host; 
So fixed, so trembling, so of vigor drained, 
A thousand foreskins fell, their flower and prime. 
Man. Come, thou; no cause for lamentation 
here, 



SAMSON HYBRISTES 143 

Far less occasion. Samson like himself 
Himself hath quit, and vindicated quite 
His Heaven-attested mission ; on his enemies 
Defeat hath wrought, dishonor, fear, and shame; 
To Israel hath brought freedom, so but they 
Seize the occasion, cause of still further woe 
Upon our foes. Gaza in all her gates 
Deplores the rued attempt, for which shall rise 
Mourning and lamentation through the bounds 
Of Caphtor, and in Asdod, and in Gath, 
Among the daughters of the Philistines ; 
For never hath so dire a stroke befallen them, 
Since Israel first bowed beneath his yoke. 
Nothing wants now to joy, but that my wife, 
The associate and auxiliar of my hope, 
Share in these tidings glad and common mirth ; 
To whose dear side sad duty still enjoins me, 
So in my son's concern too much remiss. 

Cho. All is of God, though oft with doubt 
Is Heavenly disposition dark, 
Aiming at ends unsearchable ; 
Yet not amiss against its mark 
His counsel flies, how distant far; 
As now for us, whose chance hath proved 
Happy, and that his high intent 
Good out of evil brings forth still ; 
The event the purpose vindicates. 



SAMSON BLINDED 



THE ARGUMENT 

Samson, having espoused and wedded Dalila, a 
woman of the Philistines, in the vale of Sorec, is 
earnestly importuned by her to reveal the secret 
of his strength ; which he for some time refuses to 
do, putting her off either by pretense or by abso- 
lute denial. Meanwhile he chances to be visited 
by certain young men of the tribe of Dan — who 
make the chorus — as their former custom was, 
resorting to him for converse ; and afterward by 
his father, Manoah, who, under premonition of 
danger, warns Samson of evil to befall him from 
Dalila; which warning Samson scorns. Shortly 
after, Samson departs under pretense of some 
onset or act upon the Philistines that shall com- 
plete the deliverance of Israel. Then enters Da- 
lila to the chorus, inquiring for Samson, and, af- 
ter some conversation, endeavoring his secret, 
which they refuse; whereupon Dalila, repeating 
her determination to succeed in her quest, goes 
out. Shortly after, Manoah again appears, with 
anxiety for Samson, having seen some Philistine 
liers-in-wait ; and is still more troubled to learn 
of Dalila's attempt upon the chorus to gain the 
secret. While in suspense as to what should be 
done, a messenger, an Ebrew, enters, relating 
what hath befallen Samson ; who is soon brought 
in, his eyes put out, in bonds, a prisoner to the 
Philistines; Dalila afterward appears also, and 
seeks reconciliation, but is rejected with scorn, 
and then withdraws, glorying in her deceit; 
whereupon the chorus seek to comfort Samson 
what they can, that, less in despair, he is led away, 
a captive, to Gaza : and the drama concludes. 



THE PERSONS 

Samson 

Manoah, father to Samson. 

Messenger. 

Dalila, his wife. 

Chorus of Danite Youths. 

Servant. 

Public Officer. 

The Scene : Dalila' s house, in the vale of Sorec. 



SAMSON BLINDED 

Dalila. Once more with doubtful hope and wav- 
ering purpose, 
Although my oft repulse contrary warn 
And promise like went, if I persist, 
Samson, once more, ere lastly thou pronounce, 
Let me renew my pleaded suit, imploring 
That secret thou refusedst to impart 
At my solicitation, wondering much 
Of thy so strange refusal, for to me 
Thou mayest with safety, as to thyself, reveal, 
Since I on thee no advantage could presume, 
The partner of my soul and other self, 
In whom I live my life, without thee not, 
But to no end exist, and days prolong. 
With fruitless purpose. If, as to me thou sayest, 
Thou lov'st me yet, dost hold me yet endeared 
Thy wife, esteem'st me yet and cherishest ; 
Thou wilt not longer my request defer, 
But wilt reveal what I so long have sought. 
Wherein thy strength consists and safety placed, 
Thy capital secret held, and citadel 
Which I with constant hope so long have tried, 
Yet vainly to my sorrow, thus assuring, 
Beyond a shadow of doubt, thy heart sincere, 
And trust in me reposed faithful, approved, 
The solace and sure seal of this our love. 
For, where twixt faith of wedded man and wife 
Some secret stands, no perfect union joins, 
But discord, fear, suspicion, lastly hate, 
That all their fair domestic peace confounds. 
If thou canst use me thus, thy wife esteemed 
And dear delight, as thou hast oft professed, 
Thou lov'st me not, and but in scorn dost hold 

me, 
As thou didst fear me false, or over-fond, 
So to reveal, and thus thine anger assured, 
Thy wrath, thy scorn, displeasure, if revealed 
147 



148 SAMSON BLINDED 

The secret of thy safety and thy life. 

Samson. Not that I trust thee not, or fear thee 

false, 
Disloyal to thy faith and fealty sworn, 
Have I refused thee, and still refuse, though 

such 
Might well be warned, as easily not surprised, 
By first experience. Did not she of Timna 
Betray her solemn trust and solemn faith, 
When in her prime of spousal love professed 
She basely to my spies and rivals gave 
The imparted secret, on whose issue hung not 
The hazard of my safety and my life, 
As here depending? She, with like assurance 
Of wifely love to me and faith maintained, 
Yet scrupled not, hard pressed and sore beset, 
Basely my secret for her gain to barter, 
O'ercome by mastering importunity. 
Not, therefore, that I fear thy false intent 
Do I refuse thee ; but I fear thy weakness, 
Lest, in like case of sore beseting need, 
Not willingly, perhaps ; but for thy life, 
Whose loss at moments even the bravest fears, 
Or in a time when unprepared, which all, 
The best, most principled with good, have felt, 
Thou also, with like error, do what thou, 
Or armed with wonted virtue, or by knowledge 
Made stronger, never couldst consent to do. 
Nor should I, as thy husband, thus expose 
Thy virtue to temptation, that assails 
Unsought ; trial enough, be sure, will come, 
Without thy seeking, to approve thy faith, 
Which will require thy utmost to oppose, 
And not by curious knowledge to divide 
That strength, to thee for other use imparted. 
So shall I best my love to thee approve 
By love maintained from trial unsecure, 



SAMSON BLINDED 149 

Not by indulgence weak to work thy fall, 
Or, at the least, confusion somewhat raise, 
Which might our peace and household faith con- 
found. 
Nor does thy happiness upon that knowledge 
Depend ; thy love sincere to me remains 
Without that secret, which revealed might raise 
Trouble, which raised thou wouldst avoid, yet 

raised 
Would work perhaps what thou would'st vainly 

repent ; 
Seek not then what cannot thy happiness 
Increase, but might diminish, or destroy 
Our love ; which to maintain should be thy care. 
Dal. Deny me not thus, Samson, not thy wont, 
Who still thy thoughts to me art used to impart, 
My solace and sole comfort, since to thee 
United from my nation cuts me off, 
By this degraded, as they hold, to thee, 
Of race inferior, joined ; though joined to thee 
Assures me not the favor yet of thine, 
Who evermore repulse my friendly motions, 
Jealous of thee perhaps and of my love, 
Whereof good proof to thee that day I gave, 
When I against my country and my faith 
(For so the priest rang ever in my ear, 
Preaching how impious to my country's gods 
It would be to espouse an enemy, 
Our fiercest, most inveterate, who had slain 
Such numbers of our nation and the flower) 
Received thee for my husband, loved thee, served 

thee 
In all good faith, and still thy welfare seek, 
Would still in quiet love, with thee would live, 
My highest happiness and peace accounted, 
Asking thee only to approve thy faith 
As mine to thee, by yielding this last proof, 



150 SAMSON BLINDED 

This secret that divorces me from thee, 
Still separates our union, mine from thine, 
Whose heart entire I covet, nor would share, 
Except against my will, with aught ; repulse 
No longer her so long who justly sues. 
Sams. With sorrow I refuse thee ; and could 
wish 
Some other question of my love, some proof 
Whose surety I could readily vouchsafe, 
Thou wouldst prefer, and not thus constant urge 
So hard my secret, the one citadel 
I must not yield, too long, if without rudeness 
I may presume, too long by thee assailed ; 
Thy importunity too far hath borne thee 
Against thy constant service and thy love. 
Desist, then, to prefer thy oft request. 
That must, if too far urged, but more divide 
Division, and the rupture slight increase. 

Dal. If such thy purpose, then in vain I have 
sought 
To heal our wounded love, and have but widened, 
Though to my sorrow and grief — more than to 

thine, 
I fear, since ever so the woman feels 
The most, and suffers most love's parting pain ; 
Rut suffering can bear and silent hide 
Her sorrow and heart-grief; and I no less 
Will suffer, as I loved, with due regard 
That no extreme be known, howe'er the smart ; 
To bear without complaint is woman's lot, 
And silently endure her chiefest praise. 
But see ! for yonder through the shade discerned 
A youthful troop steering this way their steps ; 
Perhaps thy friends, who for thy wished con- 
verse 
Are wont to come ; whom fitly to receive 
Thou must with favor meet, and I retire. 



SAMSON BLINDED 151 

Cho. This, this is whom we sought, 
The dread invincible of Israel's foes, 
The glory of his nation and the boast, 
With matchless might endued 
And heavenly vigor armed, 
Whose dread heroic might, 
Now blazed and famous through remotest bounds 

of earth, 
No ode, or choicest lyric song, 
Or storied legend told in lofty verse, 
Can to the height of his true worth exalt, 
Crowning his name with universal praises. 
Semi-cho. For first, his flowering youth yet 

scarcely blown 
And virtue yet unapproved, 
With strenuous might he slew 
The solitary beast that wons in wild, 
Tearing him, as the lion tears the kid. 

Semi-cho. Then, to avenge the riddle's dastard 

stealth 
And wagered forfeit redeem, 
Thirty, the flower and choice of Ascalon, he slew, 
Alone, and without aid 
Armed in himself complete, 
Scorning their weapons proud and martial tools. 
Semi-cho. Then, for his wrested bride and 

faith profaned, 
Upon his hapless foes, 
Surprised, distract, amazed, 
Weaponless and unarmed he singly fell, 
Though clad in mail they stood, proudly secure 
Of him whose dreaded might and wondrous force 
They sought to o'erthrow ; 
But contrary wrought their shame, 
When on their battled might 
His anger with impetuous fury smote, 
And quelled their pride. 



152 SAMSON BLINDED 

Semi-cho. Then, armed with trivial weapon 
largely slew 
The choice and prime of their Philistine youth 
In Ramath-Lechi, where the bidden spring 
With kindly rupture burst from the dry ground, 
After the brunt of battle, to allay 
His thirst, and virtue restore. 

Semi-cho. Then on his shoulders took, 
And by main strength upbare, 
The massy gates of Gaza, post and door, 
No trivial burden borne, or distance passed, 
Toward Hebron, ancient seat of Anakim. 

Cho. Where shall I first extol 
Thy dread heroic might, 
With plain celestial fortitude adorned, 
And heavenly vigor armed, 
Worthiest all renown and highest glory? 
For thee I reckon chiefest in estate, 
Whose strength by Heaven endued 
And wondrous might bestowed, 
By wondrous acts expressed and wondrous deeds, 
The miracle of men, 

Declare their doer's worth, and highest tell 
His fame and loftiest praises. 

Sams. Your presence, friends, is kindly ; for I 
gain 
Now by experience dear how current runs 
The coin debased of friendship counterfeit. 
For not, as once they used, hither resort 
Frequent my friends for oft converse, where from 
I drew fresh virtue, vigor new derived, 
To work my mighty mission. Tell me, comrades, 
Whence is this falling off, this strange defection, 
No ancient enmity or new offense 
Between us known? Why am I slighted thus, 
Cut off from all my nation, disavowed 
As sprung of hated stock idolatrous, 



SAMSON BLINDED 153 

Or held unclean ? Other return is due 

For those great acts which God by me hath 

wrought 
Upon our conquerors ; gratitude and thanks 
And no small praise better beseem than thus 
Neglected and discarded, as though held 
Alien, outcast, uncircumcised, despised. 

Cho. Be not offended, Samson, if plainly set 
The reason, which perhaps, though hard to hear, 
May work thy remedy, since apt words, though 

harsh, 
Unpalatable, ungrateful, undesirable, 
Yet, spoken with sincere intent, as herbs 
Bitter to the taste, but healing of effect, 
Oft medicine and alleviate the ill ; 
For, to say truth, men deem thee fallen away 
To our oppressors, since thy hated wedlock, 
Now twice-repeated, which persuades the more, 
Forbidden with the uncircumcised to join, 
Argues no longer thee of ours esteemed, 
Or over-proud toward us to condescend. 
Much wonder have I felt, and often heard, 
That thus thou hast twice espoused an infidel, 
Uncircumcised, unclean, unceremonial, 
So main against thy God and country's law ; 
The more that sad event in nuptial choice 
And lot unfortunate might well deter 
Thee from attempting what so near thy ruin 
Once wrought, thus hardly from the snare es- 
caped. 
Sams. Doubtful it seems, I own ; yet still must 
plead, 
My sole extenuation and excuse, 
Divine impulsion prompting me to find 
Some cause upon our foes that might redeem 
Our hated yoke. For not through fondest love, 
Vanquished by passion weak, have I urged on 



154 SAMSON BLINDED 

The former marriage, or this second joined ; 
But that I might my mission prosecute, 
To free my nation from Philistine yoke, 
The task divine on me enjoined from Heaven ; 
My own advantage weighed not, what might best 
Serve my own end of pleasure, thus conjoined 
With her who had my wished destruction plan- 
ned, 
And once had well nigh wrought ; but I escaped 
Her snare, when she, my former, basely sold 
My secret to those bridal spies and rivals, 
Who sought my undermining, but their own 
Achieved, importunate of death, and rash, 
When I on them fierce vengeance executed 
For violated oath and right profaned. 
Nor in this other seems more faith, who urges 
Against denial to besiege the secret 
Wherein my seal of strength and safety placed. 
Now thrice, with blandishment and woman's 

tears, 
She hath essayed me, summoning all her wiles 
And feminine allurements, sly assaults ; 
And thrice have refused her, thrice withstood 
Her wordy batteries, to idle sport 
Turning her utmost importunity. 
By she, by all her failure undetered, 
Though better taught by ill successes past, 
Surceases not to storm me day nor night 
With her assaults, out-watched and over-worn, 
Adjuring me by all the ties of love. 
And ties of wedlock duty, nuptial faith, 
Professing first my duty wanting to her 
And her great love toward me, then threatening 

high 
To leave me, if I refuse, as more with me 
To live no pleasure, since my passion cooled 
And trust in her destroyed, or undermined 



SAMSON BLINDED 155 

At least, thus nicely or thus cautiously 

Her suit denied. Thus she assaults me sore 

Now this fourth time, and stronger the assault — 

But vainly, since I never will reveal, 

Thus impiously and weakly, the strict pledge 

And vow inviolate, wherein reposed 

The surety of my safety and my life. 

Cho. Wisely hast thou determined, wisely held 
Though urged, thy bosom-purpose ; since before, 
And often, wisest men have been deceived 
By some bad woman, once in wedlock joined, 
Or, over- fond, reposing firm their trust, 
Thinking no evil where no evil seemed, 
Or holding cheap the peril of woman's power 
To frustrate, or divert, or undermine 
Their inmost counsels. Well hast thou once come 

off, 
Hast once escaped the toils, though to thy cost, 
The wonder thus of many that again 
Thou set'st thy feet so near a second snare. 

Sams. Unduly are they moved, and for my 
welfare 
Too far concerned, who ever have left off 
To follow, where I led them first the way 
That guides to freedom; which they, over cau- 
tious, 
Or loving more their lives than liberty, 
Servitude more than generous liberty — 
Hard liberty and easy servitude — 
Neglect, and like despise that champion raised 
To their deliverance ; whom, if he aught begin 
They will suspect, and envy, and desert, 
Holding my glorious actions in contempt, 
Though destined their deliverance foretold, 
And on my task heaping inglorious shame. 
Yet had they, when I motioned first our freedom, 
Joined with me then, or later as I moved, 



156 SAMSON BLINDED 

We had long since possessed the gates of Gath, 

And lorded over those we now obey. 

Wherefor let them now serve, who have rejected 

Offered assistance thrice, and be themselves 

Sufficient to themselves, if they suffice 

To gain their freedom scorned, since they from 

me 
Refused that glorious boon. For me refused 
Means what but God refused, whose purpose high 
Endured my strenuous might and vigor gave, 
His counsels scorned, and him, not me, despised, 
His covenant rejected, and those gods, 
Whom meanly now they serve, to him prefered ? 
Just cause of wrath and their deserving sin. 

Cho. Dark are the minds of men, 
And darkly endued 

Their counsels, struck insensate or depraved, 
To wrath divine given over, 
And by their folly drawn to their own hurt, 
With sight internal dark, 
When on their hapless heads, 
Defenseless left, or struck with sense deject, 
Surprised, bereft, amazed, 
God visits all his might and vents his wrath 
In tempests of fierce destruction. 

Yet they not more instruct, but preserve 
To evil, though God oft of favor warn 
By prodigies and signs of portent, visioned 

dreams, 
Seeking to make acquainted his high purpose ; 
Until his anger waked 
And patience quite o'er-passed, 
Deserted and depraved, to ill given over, 
On ruin they strike, 
Wrecking their vessel gloriously given from 

above, 
And partly their faith affect, 



SAMSON BLINDED 157 

Haply they make not shipwreck of their lives. 

Else had not been, except his counsel served, 
Those visitings of wrath, and fierce avenging 

stroke 
Of servitude beneath our cruel foes, 
Nor thus our expectation fair prolonged 
With sure deliverance offered, 
Nor we so long unsuccored 
Under a hateful yoke, abject, despised, 
Though chosen once to rule 
The land where now we serve. 

But we his easy government forsook, 
And, joined with idols foul, 
Provoked his righteous wrath, 
Whose instant stroke denounced, though oft de- 
layed, 
Hath now o'erwhelmed ; 
Yet, pitying our sad plight 
And lost undone estate, 
Many a mighty champion oft he raised 
To our deliverance ; 

Yet we received them not, nor yet sincere 
Repented of our sin, but God contemned, 
Which more increased our shame, 
And wrought our deeper woe, 
To lowest pitch of object misery fallen. 

But see ! for hither bent in haste, 
As on some purposed errand bound, 
Thy father, Manoah, comes ; 
Whose here intent, if friendly or adverse, 
The sure event will inform us. 

Man. Samson, before and oft have I essayed 
thee, 
And urged thee hard with deeds which thou main- 

tainedst 
Not will, but strong impulsion, set thee on, 
Though to thy own undoing ; but thou didst plead 



158 SAMSON BLINDED 

Divine permission given thee from above 
With purpose to infest our grievous foes, 
That thou might'st work Israel's deliverance, 
The task whereto thou wast ordained by Heav- 
en. 
Yet the outcome never hath approved thy plea, 
But contrary warned thee to desist those acts 
Sinful by law pronounced, and in the end 
Causing thy grief and shame, and to thy foes 
Occasion to their triumph, though thy might 
Hath changed their harm, the ruling will of 

Heaven. 
Nor in thy marriage choices hath appeared 
Other ; but, contrary to our law express, 
Unschooled in prudence aught, in life unskilled 
Secure, to passion giving headlong rein, 
Thou didst espouse and wed an infidel, 
An alien to our race and thence forbid, 
Whence all thy ills have sprung and grievous 

woes ; 
Nor in thy second choosing hast been warned 
Aught by thy first, but joined her like, or worse, 
Whence ruin must needs ensue and still worse 

harms. 
Yet came I not with purpose to upbraid thee 
For thy default and sin, rather to warn, 
Lest in thy thought sufficient some worse thing 
Some way or other yet further to annoy thee 
Might rise, and thou, not warned, careless might 

fall; 
Not that I know undoubted, or have gained 
By hearsay or report, for seldom come 
Such to my ears, but, if aught presage warn, 
Or there be premonition in the mind, 
Some harm or grievous ill impends upon thee, 
Which haply thy foreknowing might prevent, 
Or, warned and thus aware, thou might'st escape. 



SAMSON BLINDED 159 

Wilt thou, then, be advised, or, unaware, 
Continue, till at length in ruin fallen? 

Sams. That danger may impend surprises not, 
And from what foe or source not far to learn ; 
For, since my mighty acts upon our foes 
Performed, they have not ceased to seek my harm. 
But I have still escaped, have still maintained 
Entire my strength, have kept my secret whole 
And fortress safe, by oft surprisal tried 
And oft attempt. Hence admonition warns not 
Or danger or from whom it may arise. 
Yet for thy kindly interest in my welfare, 
Not often now expressed or often shown, 
Think me not so ungrateful, lost to shame, 
As not to feel some stirrings of regard 
For my behoof ; though, as thou seest, not needed 
Anxiety or fear for my concern. 

Man. Be not too careless, over-confident, 
Secure in thy own knowledge, thy own strength, 
But let another's judgment, not thy own, 
Sway, or at least assist thy purpose formed ; 
For thus becomes the office of a friend, 
To warn, admonish, still reprove, though harsh 
Often reproof or admonition given; 
Yet so to avoid offence, if without harm 
May be avoided, as I doubt if now. 
For I express am come and for this purpose, 
To warn thee of this woman thou hast joined 
To be thy wife, and to admonish thee 
Of danger, if thou longer preservere 
With her to live, and not at once shall leave ; 
Sorrowful, if offence by this must come 
Between us, but no less this to endure, 
Or worse, if worse there be that may arise, 
Contented only if at last I win thee 
To thy true good and welfare, as I aim. 

Sams. Thy warning I repulse not, but receive, 



160 SAMSON BLINDED 

For so in kindness meant, yet follow not ; 

Since, to myself myself sufficient deemed 

And now to proper age arrived, I yield not 

Unduly to another, but myself 

Regard, and follow what to me deemed right. 

But, though thy labor useless, yet not lost, 

Since never lost the act of kindly intent. 

Yet that I ever will desert the wife 

Myself have joined, and still have held endeared, 

Still cherished, loved, esteemed, thou mayest not 

think, 
Since other counsel, other act, becomes 
The virtuous husband, whom though his wife he 

love not, 
While faithful she remains, due right demands 
And faith sincere constrains he should receive 
And cherish, still should foster, nor desert, 
But still his wife consider loved, endeared. 
Man. Of those our law forbids not, women 

found 
Of our own tribe or nation, sentence holds ; 
But this, of alien stock derived, adjudged 
Uncircumcised, unclean, unceremonial, 
Not only not enjoined, but straitly forbid, 
To wed, or wedded cleave to, her no law 
Commands thee still to keep, with her to live, 
Rather forbids thee not ; no reason then 
Why thou shouldst longer love, or with her live ; 
The more, because thy enemy accounted 
And sprung of heathen stock, our foe professed, 
Warns thee the rather now to null those bonds 
Which may, if I mistake not, work thy ruth. 
Nor is opinion only to my cause. 
Already she hath tried thee, tasted, sought 
To undermine thy welfare by obtaining 
Thy secret in her power ; and that thou 
Was proof against her argues not the less 



SAMSON BLINDED 161 

Her wicked act, solicitous attempt 
To work thy ruin, nor assures that thou 
More than thy former will refuse to her 
The object of her importunity ; 
Thy weakness, if may without reproach 
Remind thee, as thou knowest, too nearly wrought 
Thy ruin once, against my warning pled 
When thou didst persevere and headlong join 
That woman, who confusion to thee brought 
And wished thy harm. Nor deem this other else, 
Or seeking more thy good, howe'er she descant 
Of wifely duty, wifely love and faith. 
Be warned, then, while in time thou mayest, be- 
fore 
The threatened ruin fall, and thou repent 
Too late, when thou receiv'st what once thou hadst 
scorned. 
Sams. That thou believ'st some danger threat- 
ens near 
I well can think, yet cannot all receive 
What thou so main hast urged, or false or fond 
The woman I have joined to be my wife ; 
For, though thy reasons from our law hold good 
And capable in ordinary, yet here, 
Where God hath prompted, urged the act express, 
With purpose to redeem his chosen people 
From servitude, they argue not my sin, 
Thus with the uncircumcised in wedlock joined, 
Nor urging to invalidate or null 
The bonds of spousal faith conjoined, though here 
With one of race by law forbid, nor lastly 
So to desert, on nothing proved thus grounding 
Some faint suspicion had of ill or harm 
Offered by whom such first from me prevented. 
But grant thy reasons good, and that to me 
Danger impends, if I reveal the secret 
Wherein my safety placed and life secure, 



162 SAMSON BLINDED 

No peril yet impends, while I hold fast 
My fixed determination not to yield, 
Not to divulge by word or motioned act, 
Nor by expression aught betray, thus fond, 
The fortress of my silence to a woman, 
Wherein my safety garrisoned and life. 
And this thou mayest with more assurance have, 
Because I, once essayed, escaped the snare, 
Which warns me, and the warning well received, 
Never to trust nor to another give, 
Although my wife sincere and true accounted, 
What by myself best known. Herein if I 
Persist, what danger or what harm can threat 
While I remain but faithful to myself? 

Man. I praise thy resolution, while I fear 
Thy former weakness to the mastering charms 
Of powerful beauty. Virtue is safest untried, 
But liable to fall, proudly secure ; 
Nor loses aught her worth, if but discretion, 
Her best ally, she grapple and hold fast — 
For to avoid is better than escape 
The danger, and the more assurance gives 
Of safety, valorous, yet found discreet — 
But entered in the toils, and once entangled, 
Finds hard escape. Nor canst thou, once em- 
broiled, 
Gain hope or respite that thy nation roused 
To thy deliverance will afford thee aid, 
The less, that, when thou stood'st in height of 

fame, 
Full of magnanimous instincts, high thoughts, 
After some acts of proof indeed heroic 
And favor shown upon thy ways by Heaven, 
Thence by such proof and favor shown impeled 
To work thy country's freedom, they the sooner, 
Or false, or over-fond, or impotent, 
Resigned thee to thy foes, who had demanded 



SAMSON BLINDED 163 

The satisfaction of thy life for deeds 
Which thou by express appointment hadst per- 
formed 
For their behoof who traitorously yielded 
Thee to those cruel enemies provoked 
By those same acts which rightly viewed had 

wrought 
Allies to aid thy task enjoined from Heaven. 
Then since thou for thy own behoof must stand 
Sufficient to thyself, and of thy own 
Live to thyself, the livelier reason bids 
That caution thou conjoin with hardihood, 
Lest unawares thou work thyself much harm 
By weak dependence placed where none is found. 
Nor this alone. Thy mission high asserted, 
To wrest thy nation from Philistine yoke, 
Delayed or quite forgot, thou long forgoest, 
Since long indeed the time thy last assault 
Humbled their high-built pride, and dashed their 

hope 
To frustrate, or destroy, or render naught 
That mighty strength on the endued from Heav- 
en — 
To other purpose given and other end 
Than to sit weakly on the household hearth 
In luxury and slothfulness and ease, 
Thus vassal to a woman, in the toils 
Of amorous snare, the wonder and reproach 
Of all thy kindred, all thy nation slaved, 
Whom thou wast sent expressly to redeem, 
And to thy foes contemned a gaze and scorn. 
Whence some have fallen away to our dread lords 
And joined their worship foul, by thee seduced 
And bad example drawn, thus diffident 
Leaving their Living Strength, enough before 
Given to waver and fall off to idols. 



164 SAMSON BLINDED 

Sams. Whole to myself I well can live, nor 
ask, 
Nor need, their godless aid who have rejected, 
More traitorously than I, that covenant 
Between Jehovah joined and Israel's sons, 
Expressly joined. Nor shall I sorrow aught, 
Nor aught repine or dread, if I shall live 
Sufficient from my own, and from myself 
Draw my own strength, sufficient while I keep 
My vow inviolate and locks unshorn. 
Nor have I held my mission light, despised ; 
But thrice our heads and governors of tribes 
Have slighted, or neglected, or opposed 
My high attempts to break the cruel yoke 
Under which now they chafe, forgetful thus 
That those who aim at freedom and essay 
Deliverance from a hated servitude 
Themselves must first their inward freedom work, 
Before their outward liberty attained. 
Hence they deserve naught else but to obey 
With painful servitude those cruel lords 
Who have enslaved them, since themselves not 

free, 
But slaves to passion, hate, mistrust, and guile. 
Nor would it much avail, should I again 
Move aught upon our foes to their deliverance, 
Thrice in event so proving, justly held 
The shame and deep reproach of all our nation, 
Though theirs the fault, not mine, since they re- 
fused 
Ungratefully the gift* to them designed. 

Man. I am sorry what this resolution cost thee. 

Sams. Perhaps to others cause of sorrow also. 

Man. Wouldst thou then still maintain as now 
determined ? 

Sams. No less than if by God himself enjoin- 
ed. 



SAMSON BLINDED 165 

Man. Regard thyself ; this may work near thy 
ruin. 

Sams. Yet so I preserve, nor aught abate. 

Man. I cannot praise thy purpose, though I 
admire 
What strict determination hath impelled thee 
And held thee firm ; nor deem me yet offended, 
Or hurt by thy refusal, nor let rise 
Occasion of quarrel, which would but more de- 
feat 
My end, to work thy good and welfare best, 
The purpose and wished aim that still I seek. 

Sams. Mistake not, friends, if strictly I re- 
fuse 
The object of such importunity, 
Though moved toward me in all sincere intent, 
Nor yield, though by solicitation urged 
And father's asking, since in this myself, 
And not another, must of right determine 
What for my own best welfare deemed and good. 
Nor should I, as of age accountable 
And ripened of experience, to another 
Give o'er the reins of rule, as to myself 
Not trusting aught, or easily thus moved, 
But casting so right reason from her office, 
Distrusting or not countenancing her due ; 
Thence weak, and of her exercise deprived, 
Unable to determine or deter, 
If aught of moment rise to be resolved, 
When on herself depending. I should so 
Myself work my own harm, and be myself 
The cause of my own ruin, thus unwares 
Bereft of reason's aid, unapt, unfit, 
Unprompted aught of merit or of praise ; 
Which would be to determine my own fall, 
Too easily swayed, or without reason drawn 
From my own counsel, what concerns me most, 



166 SAMSON BLINDED 

And on my mission bring utmost contempt. 

Cho. I cannot praise thy resolution, Samson, 
Yet neither blame, both praise and blame must 

mix. 
For counsel, though well-meaning, hath wrought 

harm, 
If over-trusted, nor sufficient weighed ; 
Yet, contrary, some, too stiff in self-opinion, 
Or seeing not their good, by passion blinded, 
Or thinking them sufficient to themselves, 
Led on by vanity and high ambition, 
Rocks on which men perhaps have oftest wrecked, 
Wrought sooner their own ruin, unaware, 
Proudly secure of self, unthought to fall. 
But thou of self take counsel, and determine 
What best may serve thy end, that thou, at least, 
Have but thyself to censure or reproach, 
If the outcome answer not thy purposed thought. 
Sams. At least no blame on other could at- 
tach, 
And I pretend surprisal, unforewarned, 
Or led on by false light of erring counsel 
Until in ruin dashed — far from my thought. 
For never would the woman I have joined 
Desire or seek my harm, however urged, 
Or with what strong persuasion hard assailed; 
And in this seeking purposes but to hold me 
More to herself endeared, to her secure, 
Fearing, perhaps, lest one day I should leave 
As once at Timna, counseling only then 
To keep me safe, whole to herself and love ; 
Though yet to her I will not weakly yield 
What nearly to my safe concern pertains, 
Lest, unawares, or in some evil moment 
Strongly assailed, she may as weakly yield. 
But other purpose moves me importuned 
By thoughts which late my father had let fall — 



SAMSON BLINDED 167 

Not weakly to lie idle, and thence scorned, 
Contemned, despised, but, once more recollecting 
That mission high enjoined, with summoned 

might 
But sudden act or onset to surprise 
Israel's oppressors, and from them to wrest 
Entire our freedom, since long time secure 
From inroad, careless grown, indifferent, 
Esteeming me their vassal or ally, 
Unwilling, or not heartened to such task, 
So long at ease sojourning in their land 
And by the ties of wedlock indisposed 
To aim at hostile acts or work their harm — 
Good reason, then, if unaware surprised 
And faint, unfortified by warning fear, 
I upon them some sudden act determine 
That may complete secure deliverance. 
This would revenge, indeed, and close the mouths 
Of those who cease not to forewarn destruction, 
If I persist in what I have allied, 
This wedlock, and compel perforce their praise, 
Who only ruin forbode and blame foretell — 
Reason well to induce at least the trial. 

Cho. Thy purpose still approves thy wisdom, 

Samson, 
Thus to determine ; for I oft have heard 
Men wonder that thou didst not quite complete 
Thy task, from Heaven pretended, whose right 

proof 
Not argument or idle talk affords, 
But to assure thy boast, make good thy plea, 
By freedom entire wrought. If this be done, 
And thou by proof approve thy mission high, 
No longer will they waste in idle breath, 
But, silent and confuted, own thy right 
By silence, nor yet longer thee annoy, 
Pretending falsely assumed thy task prefered, 



168 SAMSON BLINDED 

Or blame thee arrogant and over-proud. 

Sams. I long had meditated and before 
Determined on this task, nor to myself 
Attach the blame deferred ; but our due lords, 
Ill-meaning, politic, neglected still, 
Despised, mistrusted, hated, to our foes 
Gave me a welcome prey, nor cared in aught 
Whether that act should end me or should spare, 
But sacrificed me for their welfare deemed, 
Unmindful of their future state, preferring 
Hard servitude to easy liberty. 
Nor do they now, although their judge ordained, 
Respect me, serve me, cherish and assist me, 
By their free sufferance in this office placed. 
But I too long have wavered, and kept back 
From this my glorious mission, held by thoughts 
That nulled my purpose ; since, though they found 

slack, 
Effeminate, idle, obligation holds 
Upon me still to work my mighty task, 
While still this strength remains, the surety giv- 
en, 
Garrisoned in my hair inviolate, 
Nor should the gift of God lie useless thus. 

Cho. With cause this resolution, since avered 
By some that, in despite those high attempts 
To break our yoke, freedom no nearer gained, 
No nearer wrought thy task assumed from Heav- 
en, 
Since Israel still serves with servitude. 
Yet other reasons to this act induce, 
And well according purpose held. Perhaps 
This gifted might remains no more, unused, 
As like despised, disdained, contemned and 

scorned. 
The glorious faculties that Heaven endues, 
Neglected, or but slackly exercised, 



SAMSON BLINDED 169 

Are suffered not to waste in idle sloth, 

But taken to assure them not our own, 

Thus lent of Heaven, that strict accompt requires ; 

The more inducement, then, to this high task, 

Before too late, and vainly thence, essayed. 

Yet not upon thy single strength attempted 

So dangerous enterprise, as on one act 

Casting the hazard, thence repulsed, defeated 

Our hope entire and end ; but to thyself 

Some strength sufficient join and aid, who, under 

Thy conduct, will insure total success, 

And quite redeem our yoke, the aim designed. 

Sams. Thy reason is not unfounded, but must 
fail 
Of purpose, that I should with others' aid 
Prosecute thus my lofty task determined ; 
For, as my counsel no auxiliar needed 
Although by father's asking wrought and fears, 
So also not my strength, judged in itself 
Sufficient to whatever task ; superfluous 
Either by wiles to work, or to itself 
Conjoin assistance ; whereof soon good proof 
This selfsame day affords, since I no longer 
Will vouchsafe to delay, already now 
Too long delaying, but will prosecute 
This mission, so that all who hear may own 
My courage yet undamped, nor strength impaired. 
Farewell, then ; and of me expect to hear 
Nothing unworthy, unvalorous, impure, 
But such as may become our God and Law, 
Beseeming both my nation and myself. 

Cho. O glorious gift of strength and match- 
less might 
By will of Heaven endued 
To our foretold deliverance ! 
As God's prevailing counsel oft decreed 
And wisdom high ordained 



.170 SAMSON BLINDED 

His strenuous champions raised 

To work his mighty purpose, 

With heavenly vigor adorned 

And plain celestial virtue armed, 

When they his purposed wrath have visited 

Upon his hapless foes, 

Who, reft of strength, distracted and surprised, 

Upon ruin have struck, 

Insensate, spiritless, despairing, fallen. 

Which had our promised freedom long secured 
And reft our captive yoke, 
Abject, unworthy, vile; 

But them our father owned not, nor received, 
Although those mighty acts 
Attested well their mission high imposed 
And task divine asserted, 
To set his people free ; 

And, these despised, with justice high incensed 
His favor God withdrew 
And turned his holy eyes, 
Visiting thence upon their scorn 
The wrath reserved and destined for their foes — 
Just punishment inflicted, 
And their deserving sin, 
Ungratefully who had received 
His champions high ordained, 
Yet more ungrateful left, 
Despised, contemned, deserted, 
Visiting all contempt upon their deeds. 

Which task his favor high hath thee appointed, 
Samson, by merit approved 
Strongest of mortal men, 
With heavenly vigor thus endued 
And celestial virtue armed 
To break thy nation's cruel foes, 
Thy mission high asserted 
And work by Heaven imposed, 



SAMSON BLINDED 171 

Except some evil chance, or thy weak sin, " 
That might thy strength o'ercome, or virtue im- 
pair 
Insensibly, thence struck with sense depraved, 
Draw thee aside, defeating his high purpose. 

So let not like mischance befall thee, Samson, 
With wondrous might endued above the sons of 

men; 
Rather may God regard those mighty deeds, 
The surety of thy mission high enjoined 
And pledge of task imposed, 
Already now in part achieved, 
With hopeful recompense 
Turning thy labors to successful end. 

But softly, for behold where yonder comes 
Some Philistine woman, as I guess, 
So by her habit deemed ; 
And now, on nearer view, no other known 
Than Dalila, his wife. 

Dal. My coming, friends, was not to pry, or 
gain 
Some notice of your doings or your words, 
Of unforseen approach thus unaware, 
If haply I might learn, but to obtain 
Some tidings of my husband, parted late 
From me, and busied in converse with you, 
For so from some I had ; yet here not found 
My hopeful search. Say, therefore, where to 
seek, 

Cho. But late with us he stood, yet now is 
parted, 
Bound on some purpose that concerned him near- 

For so to us but lately he vouchsafed ; 
Whereof much wonder is if thus to thee 
Imparted not, or not to the revealed 
What might suffice thy knowledge, since his wife 



172 SAMSON BLINDED 

Esteemed gave thee some title to have known 
His doings, though perhaps his soon departure 
May have prevented him determined thus. 

Dal. Doubtless ; though yet of late he gives no 

care 
For my behest, not much concerns himself 
In my behoof or comfort, since from me 
He long withholds a secret I have still 
Endeavored, but in vain; though, if he grant, 
Not less to him my love, but only more 
Assured, and firmlier fixed my faith. Yet he 
Delays me, still refuses, puts me off, 
One while pretending to have plain revealed, 
Yet found on trial false ; again, implored, 
With like pretence deceiving, so that I 
Am vexed, thus made a fool and still o'erborne. 
Thrice have I thus assailed him, thrice have 

sought 
To win from him the secret that he guards ; 
And thrice he hath deluded, thrice denied, 
Turning to sport my importunity. 
Again, now this fourth time, have I besieged 
His secret, but thus far with like success, 
Unhoping, but still stubborn to succeed ; 
Since never can I cease or quiet rest 
Until this final hindrance that remains 
Between us, and divorces our close union, 
Give way, and nothing still divide our love. 
For betwixt faith of wedded man and wife 
Of right no secret stands, or, standing, breeds 
Mistrust, at least, suspicion, if not hate, 
And wrecks all happiness, and peace confounds. 
But ye perhaps have learned, by knowledge 

gained 
Or some relation heard, and can reveal 
The secret I have sought, approving thus 
Your friendly mind to him, and like to me 



SAMSON BLINDED 173 

Imparting on what most my peace depends. 

Cho. Neither his leave we have, nor deem it 
right, 
Thus to reveal what by him closely guarded, 
His bosom-secret held and purpose fixed — 
Thus by revealing only to divide 
And more the rupture widen, now enough 
Divided, as thou deem'st, which could but worsen 
What gladly thou wouldst better ; so insure 
To us his wrath, and thou no richer left, 
But poorer, by his anger thus obtained. 
Good reason then to give thy seeking o'er, 
And rest contented, if not satisfied, 
With what thou hast, his love to thee assured 
And faith maintained, nor lose by seeking all. 
Dal. Is not some way or other to move this 

mind? 
Cho. We still are firm and fixed in our dis- 
sent. 
Dal. Bethink yourselves ; this may give high 

offence. 
Cho. Yet with like resolution still maintained. 
Dal. I am sorry if this mind work near your 

ruin. 
Cho. Think not to move us aught, or daunt by 
threats 
Idle, as thou preceivest, or to thyself 
More danger holding; since toward thee his 

wrath 
Aroused and anger waked, if thou shouldst force 
Against his will the secret he so guards, 
Nor will reveal. Hence double rage expect, 
If thou through treachery, or craft, or guile, 
Win from another what from him thou couldst 

not, 
Just cause to him of anger not to pass. 



174 SAMSON BLINDED 

Dal. I thought to have gained the secret, and 
am purposed 
Still to possess, not out of levity 
Inquisitive, with curiosity 
As over-powered, but only to remove 
The great desire I have more to insure 
And fix his moving fancy, not enough 
Secure to my regard, as now I deem. 
For I cannot endure longer to live 
With him, and not possess him all my own ; 
Either must leave, or, better lot, secure 
His secret by whatever means, not caring 
Much what may happen, if success assure not 
His heart entire to me and faith secure 
Unalterably fixed, so much I feel 
The bond of nature draw me, soul to soul, 
That we must be one heart, one flesh, one mind ; 
To be without him were to lack myself. 

Cho. Consider, if his wrath awake, and thou 
Draw thy own ruin, persevering thus. 

Dal. Yet that could not dissuade, nor daunt 
me aught, 
So fixed to gain my purpose sought I feel, 
So bent upon success, determined, steadfast, 
Fearing not death, nor aught than death more 

dread, 
So only I secure him to myself 
Entire, nor thus divided share his love, 
The purpose and fixed aim that now I seek. 

Cho. Wise, who hath well conjoined 
His lot in nuptial choice, 
Not meekly drawn aside by beauty's snare, 
Nor to frail passion yielding 
Wisdom's chief sway and sovereign place as- 
signed ; 
But who hath well determined, chosen well 
A virtuous choice in woman, that combines 



SAMSON BLINDED 175 

Domestic care with virtue, chiefest good 

In woman found, assuring 

Happy that house, his path to virtue smooth. 

If otherwise he choose, or other choice, 
Or comeliness of form, or beauty's shape, 
Pleasing to the eye and lovely, 
Of outside fair, 
But the inward show deformed, abhorred, and 

vile, 
To passion weakly yielding reason's sway, 
By wisdom unapproved, 
Him shall no pleasure find, once joined 
In nuptials hateful, to a hateful bride 
Fast linked and wedlock bound, 
Adverse to virtue, 
Turbulent and loud, 

His shame and sharp reproach, an inward thorn 
Too late perceived, thus by her charms ensnared 
And drawn to folly, 
Or wrought to sense repraved, 
Or dotage, which in ruin surest ends. 

But her whom reason and desire conjoined 
Approves, with all perfections fair adorned 
And heavenly virtue armed, 
Modest and meek, demure, 
Yet so with goodness principled, 
That neither weak suggestion from within 
Nor from without temptation frail o'ercomes, 
Happy indeed pronounced, who thus hath found 
One virtuous that conjoins 
Domestic good, and highly favored held 
Of Heaven indeed who thus secures ; 
For she will do him evil not, but good, 
All the days of her life. 

But see ! for hither bent in haste, 
Though parted late as not with soon return, 
Old Manoah comes ; 



176 SAMSON BLINDED 

Supposing here perhaps to find his son, 
Or of his welfare bringing else some news. 

Man. My purpose, friends, is not, as first, to 
urge 
My son on presage only to beware 
The woman joined his wife, mere premonition 
Unwarranted by likelihood or proof, 
But to impart more valid argument, 
Reasons more sound adduce, if haply thus 
I might prevail upon him to forego 
His purpose fixed, and danger to avoid, 
While yet in time. But him I see not here. 

Cho. But late he was, yet now is parted hence, 
Bound on some purpose difficult and uncouth, 
Yet not to us displeasing or averse. 
For, after thy departure, something moved 
His mind, and purpose altered, held so fixed 
Before and different, that put him on 
Some desperate adventure to reprieve 
Our ills, and our entire deliverance work ; 
Haply by this, on high emprise drawn forth 
Thus from the snare, he hath escaped the toils 
Of that bad woman, who so clearly purposed 
His ruin, and to seeming near had wrought, 
Importune, curious, inquisitive 
To know his secret, where his vigor summed 
And mighty hidden strength, no reason known 
Why she should wish, except to work his harm, 
As oft before attempting ; whence if foiled, 
Perhaps some overt act she may presume, 
Something too open try, that clear may warn him, 
Infatuate, blind, and captive to her will. 
This would be joy indeed, and valid cause 
For gratitude, our gratitude as his ; 
Since, thus entangled in her snare, he cannot 
Hearten him wholly to his task, but wastes 
In idle ease those mighty powers endued 



SAMSON BLINDED 177 

To our deliverance ; thence from this achieved 
Perhaps his gifted strength again to act, 
Not captive in the toils and hence withheld. 

Man. Thy hopes are not ungrateful, and thy 
fears 
For what of harm might happen well accord 
With that I late received ; for, as I passed 
Homeward in haste, with fruitless task deject, 
I marked where lay in hidden close recess 
Some of our foes, not singly, as disjoined 
In purpose, but combined upon some task 
Whose object and intent not clearly gained, 
Yet could be what than aught upon my son, 
Their hated foe, on whom not yet revenged 
Their injuries inflicted at his hand? 
This sight it is hath moved me to return, 
Although my first repulse not kindly worn, 
But argue like event, if I persist 
A second time, after refusal offered, 
And make attempt, at least, to put him on 
The lurking danger, though, from your report, 
Not to be dreaded now, since his departure, 
If so accomplished, hath removed him safe 
From what might undermine him and destroy ; 
If so indeed departed, and not lingered 
On some pretext or other by this woman, 
Who never hath left off to seek his harm ; 
I fear, unwilling, still some dread event. 

Servant. O friends, that here now stand, at- 
tend my news. 
The Philistines, but late in ambush laid, 
Within the house now hide, to what intent 
Unknown, though not unguessed, foreboding ill 
To Samson feared ; whose place, alike unknown, 
But more distrust excites of what may chance 
From them, if he unwares return within, 
Or, he not parted, what yet worse ensues 



178 SAMSON BLINDED 

To him unwarned ; for such my fears infer 
Of them his ruin seeking still to wreak. 

Cho. Thy fears I also share; and well could 
wish 
He were departed quite, ere unaware 
Caught in assassination's wily net, 
Since they no less on him, should chance occur, 
Would venture, as their oft attempt assures. 
For what thou hast related brings to mind, 
When late his wife stood present, how she sought 
To gain his careful secret, and on us 
Presumed her wiles, if haply she might gain. 
But we refused her, fearing what might fall 
From bad compliance. Yet, if he have gained 

not 
The danger where he stands, nor parted yet, 
It would be, on our part, received but friendly 
To warn, if so perchance he win escape. 
And time not much permits, if warned in time 
Intending, since so long he parted hence 
Permits their trial. What cry was that within? 

Man. Perhaps his foemen shouting to behold 
Their mighty dread, unbound and armed upon 

them, 
Whom they had thought to seize; yet now, ar- 
rived 
Among his enemies, dealing dreadful dole 
And over slaughterous heaps walking his way. 
Again ! again ! more loud ! What should it be ? 

Cho. That shout was not of fear, but rather tri- 
umph, 
Nor of one voice, but many. What it bodes 
I dread to think. 

Man. Ruin is in that noise, 
And dread destruction, whose the time yet gives 

not. 
Some danger, sure, impends. How should we do? 



SAMSON BLINDED 179 

Best keep together here, or go and seek ? 

Cho. I know not how to counsel, thus with 
fears 
Assailed, that reason null. But long remains not 
Our doubt, since hither speeding to our wish 
One by his mien and act hath left but late 
The scene of horror ; whom I may not wish 
To hear, nor yet refuse the tidings brought, 
Though dreading much to learn complete relation, 
An Ebrew, of our tribe, if I may guess, 
Which some assures to us no present danger. 

Messenger. O miserable to see, the sight I saw, 
That drove me, filled with terror and with dread 
Of like destruction, from that horrid place 
And sight more horrid still, which yet I see, 
By fancy or imagination fixed 
Still on my mind confused, though loathing much ; 
Yet not thus, but that reason, scarce consulted, 
Or chance, or instinct, though divined not how, 
Hath brought me to this place, where now I find 
Thee, Manoah, and ye, my countrymen, 
Too much, alas, in the like woe concerned. 

Man. Thy news would much relieve us to par- 
take, 
Since apprehension shows more dark than knowl- 
edge. 
Set forth, then, what thou hast, while we attend. 

Mess. Ah, friends, if truly said what late I 
saw, 
I fear lest evil tiding pierce too deep . 

Man. Suspense in news more tortures than re- 
lation ; 
Delay no more thy tidings ; speak them out. 

Mess. Take, then, what to my horror I have 
gained, 
And well could wish not known, so dire the tale, 
Told only that your knowledge may suffice. 



180 SAMSON BLINDED 

Due service had compeled my here attendance 
Within this house, where long time I endured 
To see what chanced, and suffered much to see ; 
But duty to my master held me faithful, 
Though marveling much his patience thus could 

bear 
And hold out firm against the constant siege 
That sore assaulted. For, as well ye know, 
His wife hath rested not by day or night 
To vex him, harass, press him, urge him hard 
To yield to her the secret he so keeps 
Wherein his safety placed and strength contained. 
But he hath still withstood her, still put off, 
(Would that he had till now — fond wish, alas!) 
Still borne her irksome importunity. 
The wonder still of all, so much endured. 
But this day she hath urged him hard, and pressed 

him 
To weariness, with blandishments and cries 
Hath stormed him sore, till he at length, out-worn, 
Weary and over-watched, out-harassed, vexed, 
Yielding at last to words and woman's tears, 
Opened her all his heart and gave her will ; 
That he, whom not their whole united force, 
In camp, or listed field, or ambuscade, 
Could vanquish and o'ercome, hath weakly now 
Given up his key of silence to a woman ; 
Who well hath recompensed, hath well returned 
His trust in her reposed. For when she knew 
His secret sure revealed, and now perceived, 
Accordant to her wish, that he was laid, 
Weary and over-watched, out-worn and toiled, 
Asleep secure of harm, she hastened then, 
Forgetful of her solemn faith engaged, 
And shore those mighty locks wherein contained 
The surety of his strength ; then called his foes, 
And to them gave him up, a welcome prey, 



SAMSON BLINDED 181 

Shorn of his mighty strength, afflicted, fallen, 

Disprized, dishonored, shamed, discovered thus 

Naked and disarmed among his enemies. 

Yet when he heard her cries, and saw his foes, 

He wist not of his might departed him, 

But as before assayed, and rising stood 

Like a wild beast, whom hounds and huntsmen 

rouse, 
And galling darts ; then, as the foremost came 
Incautious, caught and raised him high in air, 
And dashed him down to death; like measure 

found 
The second, coming; but at length, o'er-borne 
By numbers, that each moment thicker grew, 
Surroundsd by his foes mistrustful still 
And fearful of his strength, departing now, 
Though still endeavoring, struggling to make 

head, 
But now with less and still less hostile force, 
They seized upon him — head, or limbs, or arms, 
What part where each might chance, binding him 

fast; 
Then put out both his eyes, and fettered held him, 
That he no more should use that mighty strength, 
Thus captive, poor, and blind, of sight bereft, 
Their danger once and dread, to work their harm. 
What further hath befallen him I have gained 

not; 
But that I have related true, behold him 
Where yonder now he stands, and this his state, 
Shaven and despoiled before his enemies. 

Man. O sight detested ! sight of grief and 

shame ! 
Thy nation's glory late and nation's boast, 
Now snared, assaulted, captive, and betrayed, 
Of all thy wonted vigor thus deprived, 
Naked and disarmed among thy enemies! 



182 SAMSON BLINDED 

How wilt thou now thy nation serve, how work 
That glorious mission trusted from above? 
How rather curse that fatal weakness, curse 
Thy yielding, that hath left thee, sight bereft, 
Ridiculous, shamed, broken, miserable ! 
But peace ! for without added burden joined 
Heavy enough imposed, and deep the smart, 
Nor needs from me, whose office better found 
To lighten of thy load, and ease thy pains. 

Cho. O miserable hope ! is this the man, 
That mighty Samson far renowned 
The fear of Caphtor's sons, 
Famous and blazed his nation's boast and glory, 
Whose matchless fortitude 
And wondrous might bestowed 
No banded strength opposed of man, or fiercest 

beast, 
Could chasten or subdue? 
Yet now, incapable and vain, 
Bereft, captived, betrayed, 
The gaze and scorn of those same cruel foes 
Whose might he was ordained to quell, 
Thus miserable, assaulted, snared, and blind ! 

Sams. Alas, from what high hopes and lofty 
thoughts 
Conceived unlooked for fallen ? Was it for this 
The angel twice descended 
With solemn word declared 
And sacred task bestowed, 
To work my land's deliverance foretold, 
And thus divinely set 
As by attest of Heaven? 

Yet now assaulted, captive, poor, and blind, 
Made of mine enemies the mock and gaze, 
A shame and deep reproach 
To all my friends and kindred, 
My eyes put out, and, that high strength bereaved 



SAMSON BLINDED 183 

Foretold to our deliverance, 

Reserved to be repeated 

Their cruelty and scorn, 

Deserted thus by him who had ordained 

My strength and wondrous force ! 

What then availed that favor high pronounced 
Of wondrous strength and mighty force endued, 
If, when he gave me these, 
God wisdom left disjoined, 
Or ill proportioned gave, not balanced just 
To immeasureable might ; 
But left on me that burdenous work imposed, 
The source of all my evils, pains, and wrongs, 
Who glad would life forego, too heavy weight 
Under such task assigned, and gladlier death 
Invoke, as my chief good and final end ? 
Wherefore let God now also take my life, 
Sight vilely thus bereft, 
The worst indignity that could befall, 
And most to me, his minister ordained, 
Yet without hope remaining. 

Cho. Just are the ways of God, 
And justly ordained 

His purposes, though darkened oft by doubt 
What Heavenly disposition may allot 
And right decree ordain ; 
So oft to men appearing 

Partial his judgments high, condemned perverse, 
To the erring indulgent, 
Afflictive to the just, 

Yet in the end approved, when clearly seen 
The aim of justice triumphant. 

But to the afflicted, bowed beneath the stroke 
Of punishment, no consolation seems, 
Or solace to his pains, 
Though justly found afflicted, 
Nor penance slackly urged, 



184 SAMSON BLINDED 

Of hope bereaved, of mercy, 
To despair given over 
With fainting spirits depressed. 
Yet thus, perhaps, God's counsel high fulfilled 
And purpose best ordained, 
Allotted justly so his punishment, 
Whose fierce, avenging stroke, though long de- 
layed, 
Yet fallen at length, approves his justice sure, 
Nor to his enemies occasion leaves 
To murmur, or to chide him, or upbraid, 
Since on his chosen, as on them, assigned, 
If they be erring found, 
Like punishment allotted, 
And both alike brought to like evil end. 

Which on thee, Samson, now at length hath 
come, 
In over-weening thought 
Perhaps and pride secure 
Unmindful thus of harm that might befall ; 
Either too insecure with thought sufficient 
Of strength on thee bestowed, 
Or else too far presuming 
The suffrance high of God, 
Which, too for tried, hath cast thee, 
Blind, naked, miserable, 
Off to those cruel enemies provoked 
By his appointment, 
But through thy weak offense 
Suffered at last to work thy ruin, 
Bitter mischance and hard, yet not unearned. 

But yonder, since those eyes no more perceive, 
Deprived their visual ray, 
The occasion of thy woes ; and now toward us 
Holding her steps, thy wife, Dalila, comes. 

Sams. My wife ? my viper and accursed hate ! 

Dal. Be not offended, Samson, if I come 



SAMSON BLINDED 185 

With hopes of thy relief, though sorrowing much 
At this thy lot untoward and captive state 
Undone, blind, poor, and lonely, yet still purposed 
To give what aid remains to thy offense, 
This loss of sight, which ne'er I would have 

wrought, 
Had I foreseen the sad event derived ; 
But now too late perceived prevents to spare 
What thou hast dearly lost, my grief as thine ; 
Yet not refused thy pardon, that my service, 
Which gladly shall attend thy life, may make 
Some small amends for what I have misdone, 
Not so intending, since I other deemed 
The end. Thy hurtful loss my purpose holds 
In part to null at least, if not entire, 
By loving tendance visited upon thee, 
The service of my life and willing offered, 
If by this means some slight redress secured 
To thee, my consolation sole and hope. 

Sams. Let her approach and touch my hand 

for pardon. 
Would I had caught thee, as I had designed 
And purposed, but this loss of eyes prevented, 
And these slow chains unused that thus retard ! 
I would have torn the lingering joint by joint, 
That thou no more shouldst flatter and deceive, 
Or work my further ruin, now enough 
By thy false practise ruined, fittest end 
Of thee and of thy fraud, that hath accomplished 
The ruin of my mission and my hopes, 
Caused my offence to God, and weakly left me, 
At times when men wont most in vigor found, 
Slight, miserable, disarmed, betrayed, captived, 
Of all my wonted strength bereft, sight lost, 
Dishonored, poor, and blind, disprized, dispoiled, 
Naked and ashamed among my enemies. 
Reason enough, if I refuse to love thee, 



186 SAMSON BLINDED 

But rather leave, nor more avow my wife, 
As I had long, but some blind chance withheld me 
Against example warned and those who sought 
My good, but I refused ; whence now I marvel 
Or greater what weak, folly hath betrayed me 
And wrecked my hopes, or this unwifely hate 
Of thine, that wrought with greed of gold surren- 
dered 
Basely my secret given wherein contained 
My hopes and mission — hopes, alas, how vain, 
And mission how defeated, since by me 
As basely and as impiously delivered 
Up to a faithless woman (O what weakness!) 
The secret of my safety and my life ! 

Dal. Since thou hast so determined, I shall not 
Again assay thy wrath that wrought so near 
My fierce destruction, but I, warier found 
Than thou, or better seeing, since to me 
The clearer sight, escaped the danger feared, 
Knowing thee, as I do, and thy blind anger ; 
But rest me satisfied with what performed, 
Which shall, doubt not, assure my future safe, 
Thus grateful to my nation and our lords, 
Whom I o'er thee have chosen, nor repent 
The choice, my country's faith preferred to thine. 
But now, if I mistake not, thou must go 
To Gaza, in our prison-house to grind 
With slaves and asses, thy adjudged compeers, 
For so thy wisdom hath approved, incautious, 
Infatuate, rash, impetuous, blind, where thou 
Shalt other mission find and other task, 
More suited to thy c tate, to exercise 
That vaunted strength, than to destroy our land 
With ravage ; whence shall be my greatest boast 
Singly to have o'ercome that fierce destroyer, 
And in an hour, whom not my nation banded 
In years entire could vanquish and o'ercome, 



SAMSON BLINDED 187 

And though thy favor I have lost, and love, 
Yet I have gained, what I much more esteem, 
The favor of my kindred and my nation 
To recompense my zeal for duty shown. 
Whether this like thee then, or like thee not, 
I to my lot will cleave, and thou to thine. 

Cho. Have comfort, Samson; yet thy friends 
thou hast, 
And kindred yet remain, who may perhaps 
Work out thy ransom and redeem thee quite 
Forth from their loathsome prison-house confined, 
Though there intended now to woe and pain ; 
Or else thy might, returning with thy hair, 
Garrisoning thy shoulders yet again, 
May of thyself enable thy deliverance, 
Nor frustrate thus thy lofty mission found ; 
Which would be joy indeed and well revenge. 

Sams. Yet otherwise to me my lot portends ; 
God's favor thus withdrawn and eyesight lost, 
This light of life continues not for long, 
Since the other light bereft, nor do I wish, 
Rather implore for death, which my own hands 
Would visit on myself, were they but free, 
Their kindliest office deemed and chiefest service, 
Hastening thus the cure of all my pains. 

Man. Deject not thus thyself, nor, over-strict, 
Exact thus from thyself the penal forfeit ; 
For God may yet, if by sincere repentance 
Appeased, quit thee his claim and quite relent ; 
From whom consider that thou hadst this 

strength, 
Which, though now lost, may yet again return 
With eyesight, if he will who all things can ; 
And since thy appointed task not yet performed, 
He may renew thy might, and cause again 
The light within thy eyes — else why thus spared 
Thy life, which he as well had thee deprived, 



188 SAMSON BLINDED 

Had not his purpose still prevailed, and held 
In some great service or other yet to use thee? 
Cast then not thus away thy hope entire, 
Nor God reject, who may again receive thee, 
By true repentance and sincere assaying 
Restored to favor by his suffrance thus, 
That thou mayest serve him better than thou hast. 
Thy life continues in thee not for naught, 
Nor shall thy mission high be thus frustrate. 

Sams. Thy words are not unkindly, and ac- 
cord 
With that high suffrance which hath long endured 
May weak presumptuous sin, that hath delayed 
The task on me imposed, and last defeated; 
But me they little ease afford and hope, 
Since not myself perhaps alone must bear 
The heavy burden of my fault, but others 
Also perhaps in the like ruin joined. 
What if with me in chains a father dragged, 
And countrymen, companions to my fall, 
Innocent of my sin, yet drawn to waste 
Their years entire, confined to woe and pain? 
This would be woe indeed, and worse afflict 
Than what already felt, or might befall, 
And well would merit fiercest curses heaped 
Upon my head, as cause of all their harm ; 
Just reason, if their hate against me hold. 

Officer. Be of more courage, Samson, nor de- 
ject 
O'er-much thyself ; since here our purpose holds 
Upon thee only, and, thou once secured, 
To other intends no violence or harm. 
Therefore this fear dismiss, and less dishearten, 
Enough disheartened, if thyself regarded, 
And not to so great burden add the more 
Of fault on these performed, thy present mind. 



SAMSON BLINDED 189 

Sams. Thy words with hope relieve me, and 
their thoughts 
I as a grateful prophecy account ; 
Nor more shall dread my life, nor shall be bent 
To lay it down, too burdenous to bear, 
Which would be to defeat in me God's will, 
And double thus my sin, already found 
Too great, thus weakly and thus impiously 
If I presume my life, after betraying 
Secrets by God imparted, act profane, 
Not savoring thus of piety to God, 
But rancoe and impatience to his rule ; 
And now, thus cheered in hopes and elevate, 
The willinger shall go, nor all repine, 
Arming my breast with patience to endure 
Whatever ills, and comforted with thought 
Not all defeated yet that mission high 
On me imposed, which to have so put off 
Was my chief sin ; for whose accomplishment, 
If I repent sincere, and shall forsake 
My weak offending, God will still vouchsafe 
To vindicate his name and me uphold 
With favor and assistance to the end, 
My sole sustaining hope and solace found. 
But now farewell ; for I begin to feel 
Some rousing motions round me that forewarn 
Departure, which by me shall not delay, 
But hasten rather, heartened thus and cheered 
With what of hope allows, or what is else 
Not to be overborne, more bent to do 
My task assigned, and strong in fortitude 
By heavenly consolation thus imparted 
To bear, to strive, to feel, nor be o'ercome. 

Cho. All is dark, and filled with doubt 
Of what unsearchably disposed 
And all inscrutably ordained ; 
Yet in the close not contradicting 



190 SAMSON BLINDED 

His purpose high decreed, chief hope 
To us remaining, and the end 
With vindication full and fair event. 



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